Gary Russell "Smitty" Spurgeon, age 83, of Elk Creek, MO, passed away January 13, 2024 at Texas County Memorial Hospital. He was born September 14, 1940 in St. louis, MO to Fred "Russ" and Veda (Smith) Spurgeon.

He attended Lebanon  School district in Elk Creek in a one room school house before graduating with the Cabool High School Class of 1958. He worked in Decatur, IL with his father at their family owned market before taking employment at the General Electric Plant.

After moving to the family farm in Elk Creek, he was with MFA Creamery now Dairy Farmers of America where he retired in 2002 after 41 years. Gary married Naomi (Headings) Spurgeon on December 8, 1961, with the union of daughters, Teresa and Carol; in 1964, Leasa was born.

Gary loved to coon hunt and won many awards with his coon dogs.  He liked to fish and spend time with family, he was a beef farmer and enjoyed solitude watching his cows from the hilltop of the farm. He also enjoyed solitaire and mah jongg on his computer.  Gary was baptized at the age of 9 and was a lifetime member of the Elk Creek Baptist Church.

Gary was preceded by his parents; his sweetheart wife of 43 years, Naomi and his sister, Kathy Faye.  He is survived by daughters, Teresa Coldiron and husband, Mike of Lanton MO, Carol Sale and husband, Duane of Highlandville MO and Leasa Spurgeon of Springfield, MO; 5 grandkids; 9 great grandkids; 6 great great grandkids; 6 step grandkids; sister, Linda Spurgeon of Fair Grove, MO; several cousins and family members; special friends, Ronnie Stark and Keith Swisher and his two fury grandkids, Josie and Jasper.  Gary was a humble and great man; always ready to help a neighbor.  He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.