Calvin Spurgeon
Manford “Calvin” Spurgeon, age 85, of Winnemucca passed peacefully in his sleep at home on Jan. 2, 2011. Calvin was born and raised in northern Missouri. He was one of three sons born to Goldie and Manford Spurgeon.
As a young man Calvin moved to Centerville, Iowa, in 1944 where he met and married Jean, his eternal love and partner through life.
Calvin had an eclectic life of hobbies and careers. He grew up working on farms, was a professional musician with a band and radio program, worked as a skilled carpenter, was a brilliant craftsman in many fields; and gained statewide renown as a master in the automotive restoration and painting industry.
Calvin used his skills and notoriety to create a successful automotive sales, service and restoration business in Seymour, Iowa, called “Calvin’s Auto Sales” that he started in the 1950s.
In 1980 Calvin and his wife moved to Yuba City, Calif., where the couple operated and managed a large mobile home community.
Calvin retired in 1994 and moved with his wife to Winnemucca to be near his two daughters.
In 1999 Calvin accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at the First Baptist Church. He loved playing guitar and singing in church before the Lord called him home.
During retirement Calvin was continually busy with his hobbies and working with his family. He enjoyed a large range of activities that were a reflection of his diverse background and joy of life.
Although a lot of his assistance to others is only known to them, people throughout the Winnemucca community may recognize his meticulously painted miniature house creations displayed in many homes and businesses, especially around the holidays.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Harold and Gerald Max Spurgeon.
Calvin is survived by his wife Jean Spurgeon of Winnemucca — daughters Elaine and Rita Spurgeon of Winnemucca — grandson Martin Scott of Reno — foster daughter Tara Zander of Milan, Mo. — son and daughter of the heart Mike and Debi Smith Bell of Winnemucca — and grandchildren of the heart Randy and Nate Simmons of Winnemucca.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at the First Baptist Church in Winnemucca.
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