Paul E. Spriggs

He was born in Peoria on July 21, 1925, to George Luther and Maude Moline (Moye) Spriggs. He married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Schulz, on May 26, 1950, in Peoria.

Paul is survived by his wife Ruth of Bartonville, daughters Catherine (Glenn) Fogler of Emden, and Susan (Steven) Purcell of Bartonville, grandchildren, Alivia (Joe) Taylor of Peoria, Laurie (Paul Meyer) McAllister of Groveland, Katy (Phillip) Terry of Germantown Hills, Emily (Nate) Russell of Germantown Hills, and Andrew (Katie) Purcell of Morton, great-grandchildren, Brycen, Tyler, Cate, Emma, Ava, Briley, Jack, Sebastian, Gabriel, Elizabeth, Magnolia, and Miller, nephew Kent (Kathy) McDaniel and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lucille Worner.

Paul served in the United States Navy from 1943-1946. He was as an Aviation Machinist Mate on the USS Saratoga and in Ford Island, Hawaii. It was very fitting that he passed on the Navy birthday. After serving his country, he returned home and went to work at Illinois Bell as a member of IBEW until his retirement in 1983.

Paul was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and enjoyed duck and goose hunting, fishing, playing golf, and taking care of his restored 1980 El Camino. He was also a Charter Member of the Wilmor Sportsmen's Club in Morton. Paul was the master of all things--bird feeder aficionado, putt-er-arounder of yards, the only person who could fix Christmas lights every year, and the owner of 27 identical pairs of khaki pants. He wore his Curve cologne well.

Paul was an incredibly loving, caring, and giving soul who showed others how to live with kindness, laughter, and empathy. He was the best hugger in the world. He was devoted to his family, friends, and God wholeheartedly.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Peoria for over 65 years and an Elder Emeritus. Paul served on many committees within the church and sang in the chancel choir for years.

He was a member of the Bartonville American Legion Post 979, Verlin Showalter Masonic Lodge, Mohammed Shrine and the Scottish Rite. For many years, Paul sang with the Shrine Chanters, he was a transportation director and driver for Shriners Hospitals for Children, and was active in the Shrine Circus and parades. In 2012, he was proud to participate in the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, DC, escorted by his grandson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to UnityPoint Home Health/Hospice and would like to acknowledge nurses Mary, Stephanie and Dawn for their exceptional love and care.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a visitation will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 23, with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 PM at First Christian Church of Peoria. Reverend Karen Merrick will officiate. Burial with military honors will be at Springdale Cemetery following the service.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or Shriners Hospitals for Children Patient Transportation.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel and condolences may be left at www.Davison-Fulton-BartonvilleChapel.com.