Mirl Eugene “Gene” Spurgeon, 88, of Arnold, formerly of Alexandria, died Nov. 3, 2023, at his son’s home in Festus. After he graduated from high school, Mr. Spurgeon served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He later attended East Texas Baptist College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology. He also earned a doctoral degree in practical theology in biblical counseling from the Master’s Graduate School of Divinity and later graduated from Oxford University in England. He was a pastor for many congregations throughout the years including churches in Alexandria, Edinburg, Harmony Grove, Cedar Grove, Mineola, Wayland, Pevely. and Cahokia, Ill. He had served as an associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Arnold and interim pastor in Festus. He was also an art teacher at Clark County High School, a Christian chalk artist and a certified Bob Ross painting instructor. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed swimming, riding motorcycles and visiting with his family and friends. Born April 6, 1935, in New Boston, Iowa, he was the son of the late Mirl & Ruby (Benge) Spurgeon.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years: Pearl Rennaker Spurgeon.
He is survived by two sons: Jim (Sarah Conant) Spurgeon of Imperial and Joe (Heather) Spurgeon of Festus; a daughter: Vicki Miller of Arnold; eight grandchildren: Lacy, Rachel, Olivia, Curtis, Brenden, Kaleb, Madison and Mackenzie; eight great grandchildren; a sister: Sue (Roger) Jobe of Warsaw, Ill.; an uncle: Phil Spurgeon; two brothers-in-law: Bill Brailey of Keokuk, Iowa and Jack (Cheryl) Rennaker; a sister-in-law: Ann Brookhart; and several nieces and nephews.
He also was preceded in death by two brothers: Sonny and Dick Spurgeon; and two sisters: Margie Jones and JoAnn Brailey.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at noon Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home, 975 E. Main St., in Kahoka, officiated by Pastor Gene Longo. Burial will follow at the Frazee Cemetery in rural Alexandria. Memorial may be made to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home.