Earl Clyde Spohr

Earl Clyde Spohr, 89, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away on October 17, 2020, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois.  He was born January 15, 1931, in Washington D.C. to the late Earl C. and Helen Ruth (Foster) Spohr, Sr.  After graduating from Eastern High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a thirty-one year career, retiring in 1981 as a Chief Master Sergeant.  His career took him many places both in the United States and overseas.  Earl was awarded two Bronze Stars, two Meritorious Service medals, three Air Force Commendation medals, plus sixteen other awards and decorations. 

On June 19, 1962, he married Gloria Sue McKinney in Virginia, and she served with him in his career.  She preceded him in death in July 2009. 

Earl came to Mount Vernon and began serving on various committees, boards, and commissions in National, State, and Local Groups.  He was Mayor of Woodlawn, and was a member of the Elks Club, Crosswalk Community Action Agency, several Masonic Boards and was Master of the Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, member of the Scottish Rite, Ainad Shrine Temple, and was past President of Jefferson County Shrine Club.  He volunteered for many years at Crossroads and later Good Samaritan Hospitals.  He was a past State Coordinator for AARP, Past Director of Illinois Senior Citizens Committee, Past President of Jefferson County Historical Society, Past Chairman of Illinois Diabetes Association, Past President of Southern Illinois Heart Association, Past Deputy Director of Illinois AARP, member of Centralia Cultural Society, member of the Air Force Association, member of Smithsonian Institute, member of the Air Force Museum Foundation.

Earl is survived by step daughter, Neta Sue Eidson of Norman, Oklahoma; nieces, Toni Holmes and Jennifer Latterel; and special friend, Victoria Garofolo of Mount Vernon, Illinois.

In addition to his wife and his parents, Earl was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Lou Beach; brother, Edward Spohr; and son-in-law, Tony Eidson.

A private graveside service will be held at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Norman.