William Wensten Spurgeon of St. James, Mo. passed away on October 27, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois. William Spurgeon was 82 years, 8 months, and 7 days of age.

William Spurgeon was born in Rosati, MO on February 21, 1931 to Lawrence and Suda Louise (Diestelkamp) Spurgeon. He was united in marriage to Betty Lou Van Dorn for 63 years from the date of their wedding on December 23, 1950.

William, known to his wife and family as Wens, had a great sense of humor. He had a great attitude toward life, even during times of hardship and sickness. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and a great role model for all who knew him.

William served his country in the United States Army for 30 years, being stationed overseas several times. He also served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars and received the Bronze Star, He retired at the rank of Sergeant Major, highest NCO rank and then went on to serve as a civilian with the U.S. Army at Fort Leonard Wood.

William Spurgeon is survived by his wife of the home: Betty (Van Dorn) Spurgeon of St. James, Mo.; one son: William Spurgeon Jr. and wife Diane of Wheaton, Ill.; two daughters: Teresa Kelso and husband Ted of Richland Hills, Texas; Deborah Wojnicz and husband Bob of Seattle, Washington; one brother Lonnie Spurgeon and wife Beverly of Branson, Mo.; and one sister: Delores Robertson of Washington, Mo.; along with six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceding William Spurgeon in death are his parents: Lawrence and Suda Louise (Diestelkamp) Spurgeon; and his twin brother: Wendell Spurgeon.

Services
Visitation for William Wensten Spurgeon will be on Saturday, November 2, 2013 from 10 A.M. till time of funeral at 2 P.M. at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2013 at the Jones Funeral Home Chapel in St. James, Mo. Pallbearers will be Ted Kelso, Dan Gough, Michael McDonald, Trey Spurgeon, Bob Wojnicz, and Doug Robertson. Burial with full Military Honors will be in the family plot in High Gate County Cemetery in rural St. James, Mo. An escort to the cemetery was provided by the South Central Missouri Patriot Guard Riders with Ride Captain Mark Williams.

Memorials may be given to the Fair Haven Childrens Home.

All arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.