John Raymond Spooner, Sr., a long-time resident of Lompoc, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at Lompoc Valley Medical Center at the age of 87.

Born in Evans Mills, New York, on February 2, 1927, to Michael Spooner and Anna Joan Laksmith, John grew up in upper-state New York. In high school he met his true love, Bertha Ella Bevens, whom he married on April 18, 1948, and celebrated 67 years of marriage last year. John and Bertha were parents to three sons, John Jr., Rodney Ernest, and Andrew William.

In 1944, John discovered his second love and soloed in a Piper J-3 Cub. Also in 1944, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Reserves which began a 21-year career in the military that included a two-year tour in Guam, assignment to Bolling AFB, Officer Candidate School, Instructor duty at Chanute AFB, a one-year tour in Korea, and in 1962, an assignment to Vandenberg AFB. He retired from military service in 1965 at the rank of Captain. Following retirement from military service, Johns Manville, Lompoc Cooling, Red Carpet Associates, and Century 21 Armstrong Realty all benefited from his organizational and problem-solving skills. He was well known for his 10-year term at Walmart, greeting customers and calling bingo each week.

John served in many community service positions through the years, including several local area councils, Community Emergency Response Team, and the Civil Air Patrol, from which he retired as the local Group Commander. He also produced a politically-informative program on a local public television channel.

He is survived by his wife, Bertha, sons John Raymond Spooner, Jr., and Rodney Ernest Spooner, and grandchildren John Raymond Spooner III, Michael Brian Spooner, and Katherine Elizabeth Spooner.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Veterans Memorial Building Fund.

Arrangements are under the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.