Johnie Jd Spillman

Johnie Dean “J.D.” Spillman, 91, lifelong resident of Perry,OK passed away peacefully on September 21, 2022 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Visitation for J.D. will be held on Tuesday, September 27 at Dighton Marler Funeral home from 9am to 8pm, with family greeting guests from 6-7pm. The funeral service will be Wednesday, September 28 at 1:00pm at First Christian Church in Perry, OK.

J.D. was born January 10, 1931 in Perry to John and Martha (Sawatzky)Spillman. He attended Perry Public Schools, graduating in 1948. During high school he played football under coach Hump Daniels playing both ways as a half-back and defensive back.

In 1949 J.D. worked at the Safeway in Perry. While filling in for a manager at the Hennessey Safeway he met Jacqueline “Jackie” McCully which would turn out to be the love of his life.

Shortly after meeting Jackie, he enlisted in the Navy in 1950 and was stationed in Norfolk, VA. Even though he enjoyed his time aboard the destroyer, the U.S.S. Waller the letters and post cards he exchanged with Jackie kept him ready to return home. J.D. retired from the Navy in 1954 as a Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class. When asked about his time on the U.S.S Waller, he said, “I enjoyed seeing the world but the seas around Cape Horn were a bit rough, in fact, REAL ROUGH!”

After returning home to Perry J.D. married Jackie McCully in 1955. They enjoyed traveling the U.S. and spending endless summers at Lake Carl Blackwell with close friends. He worked as a roughneck, a Fireman and finally as a US Postal Service employee for 33 years before retiring. In his spare time he enjoyed working on his farmland outside of town where he had cattle and horses for many years.

J.D was a faithful man who had a close relationship with Jesus Christ. His faith and love of God was apparent in his warm joyful spirit. He was an active member of New Covenant Fellowship in Stillwater, Ok for 20 years.

Preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters, Delores Bezdicek and Marjorie Lumbers.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 67 years, Jackie; son, Bill Spillman; daughter, Carla Rausch and her husband Steve; grandson, Philip Tovar and his wife Jill; granddaughter, Tarah Tovar; great-granddaughter, Eleanor Tovar.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to Grandparents Club Wheatheart Nutrition Center, or charity of your choice in c/o Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Perry, OK., 73077.

Funeral services have been entrusted to the care of Dighton-Marler Funeral Home of Perry.