John E. Spence, 88, of Newberry, was a World War II veteran, a longtime businessman, and a gentleman farmer. Mr. Spence died at D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

Born in Goetzville November 5, 1921, he was a son of Grover and Laura (nee Pogue) Spence.

Mr. Spence attended Goetzville schools and also Sault High School. He was employed in construction in Metro Detroit and traveled back and forth from Goetzville to Detroit. While in construction, he assisted in building the Soo Locks.

Mr. Spence enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater until his honorable discharge in 1946.

He married Kathleen Washam of Newberry, May 8, 1948, in Grand Haven.

Following his discharge, Mr. Spence owned and operated the Nunica Phillips 66 Station in Nunica until he sold the station and moved to Newberry in 1963. He owned and operated Johnnies Bar in Newberry for 19 years until his retirement in 1982.

He enjoyed many hobbies, but his favorites were welding and woodworking. Mr. Spence enjoyed being called the "gentleman farmer." He raised hay and horses for his latest pursuit, "Spencewood Farms," a horse stable in Newberry.

Mr. Spence was active in the community, including serving as trustee and treasurer of the Tahquamenon Area School Board from 1970 to 1978. During that time, he also served on the State of Michigan Board of Education. He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church and American Legion Post 74, both of Newberry.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; five children and their families, Thomas and Judy Spence of Roscommon, Terry and Christine Spence of Norway, Trudy and Gary LaForest of Newberry, John K. Spence of South Boardman, and Holly Osborn of Newberry; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Gladys Spence of Trenton, and Nancy Lesniak of Williamsville, New York.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Evelyn Strickland and Marjorie Eraesche.

A memorial will be planned by the family at a later date.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family with arrangements.