Loran 'Spud' Spesard

Loran Spud Spesard, 96, of Georgetown, passed away at 6:10am, Thursday, April 23, 2009, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. He was born on September 4, 1912, in Greenup, IL, the son of Oscar and Arvilla (Gable) Spesard. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Jerry Carrigan on December 31, 1933, in Danville, until her passing on July 23, 1987. He was later wed to Freda Clem on August 5, 1988, in Ohio, until her passing on July 22, 2003. Loran began his farming career at the age of fifteen and farmed in the Ridge Farm and Catlin areas and finally retired in 1995. He also was a dairy farmer and enjoyed showing at 4-H fairs. Spud was a member of the Ridge Farm Church of Christ and later attended the First Church of Christ in Georgetown. He was also a member of Vermilion County Farm Bureau and served on the Harrison Consolidated School Board. In his spare time, Loran enjoyed fishing and also spending his winters in Florida. His biggest hobby became showing his Shetland & Hackney ponies at local and state fairs, where he won many trophies. Loran was great example for his family and grandkids in the way he lived his life. Those who will miss him include: his daughters, Donna M (Harold) Garwood, Delores Dee Hickman, & Nila K. (Jack) Henry, all of Ridge Farm; his step children, Michael (Sandy) Walden of Trenton, MO, Thomas (Pattie) Walden of Wheat Ridge, CO, Sharron (Glenn) Hale of Springfield, & Terri (Rodger) Burris of Waterloo, IA; his 10 grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; his 20 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; and his sister, Alma Spesard of Danville and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: his parents; his twin sister, Lola; his two grandchildren; a sister; and six brothers. A celebration of Lorans life will be held at 10:30am, Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E West St, Georgetown. Steve Rutter and Kenny Bass will officiate. Visitation will be 4p - 8p, Monday, April 27, 2009, at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery, Ridge Farm. Memorial donations may be given in his name to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, 400 W Washington, Chrisman.