NORMAL - Claire Vernon (Vern) Spellmeyer Jr., 81, Casscoe, Ark., was born Dec. 26, 1926, the son of C.V. Spellmeyer Sr. and Mabel Beard Spellmeyer. He married June Sutton on Jan. 5, 1951. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family Sunday (Feb. 3, 2008).

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, June; and his sister, Louise (Susie) Spellmeyer Bell.

He is survived by his children, Linda Scherm and Tony (Judy) Spellmeyer, both of Stuttgart, Ark.; Patti Gunn and Becky Spellmeyer, both of Casscoe, Ark.; and Melanie Spellmeyer, Normal. He leaves six grandsons, Jason Gunn, St. Charles; and Mike (Anna) Scherm, Chris Scherm, Matt Scherm, Jeremy Spellmeyer and Robert Spellmeyer all of Stuttgart, Ark. He also leaves a special family friend, Linda Weaver, Bloomington.

Mr. Spellmeyer worked as an accountant for the Arkansas Rice Growers for many years before pursuing a career in construction. He retired as an electrical engineer from Fermi National Accelerator, Batavia, in 1994.

He found great comfort in his faith in God and was a member of Hunters Chapel Methodist Church. A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hunters Chapel Church in Casscoe, Ark. The family requests that memorials be made to Hunters Chapel Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 508, Casscoe AR 72026. Funeral arrangements are by Turpin Funeral Home (870) 673-1502.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.turpinco.com .