John R. "Jack" Spence

John R. "Jack" Spence, 81, of Monmouth, passed away at 10:10 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Monmouth Nursing Home.

He was born April 4, 1933 at home in Spring Grove Township, Warren County, IL the son of Ernest Hugh and Gertrude E. (Johnson) Spence. He was raised and educated in Alexis and Little York where he attended Little York High School.

Jack married Dorothy Ann Theime at the Fall Creek Church on March 1, 1952 and she survives.

Jack was a farm hand for Don Smith and Clyde Darrah before taking a job with the Highway Department with the State of Illinois. He later began farming and providing custom bailing services before retiring. He also raised hogs and cattle. Jack enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting and camping.

Survivors include his wife; 5 children, Gary (Jane) Spence of Monmouth, Rusty (Rhonda) Spence of Monmouth, Cindy Hennenfent of Stronghurst, Danny (Vicki) Spence of Monmouth and Bill (Paula) Spence of Monmouth; 10 grandchildren, Tracy (Andy) Engstrom of Abingdon, IL., Bryan (Jackie) Spence of Monmouth, Ashley (Eric) Hobbs of Geneva, IL., Lucinda (John) Ricco of Roseville, Katie (Johnny) Feehan of Kirkwood, Holly Spence of Monmouth, Jackie Spence of Peoria, Brad Spence of Monmouth, Heath (Jessica) Spence of Las Vegas, NV, and Travis Spence of Monmouth ; 11 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Burial will be in Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery, Monmouth. Friends may call Wednesday morning at the funeral home where his family will be present from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Little Cedar Church or the Little York Volunteer Fire Department.