Dr. John J. Spanabel John J. Spanabel, DVM, passed away peacefully at the age of 98 on Sunday, January 17, in Atascadero, CA. Born in East Palestine, Ohio, to Abbie Jane and Roy Raymond Spanabel, he overcame polio and went on to earn his degree in veterinary medicine. After graduating from Ohio State University in 1943, he practiced in Chicago, IL, where he married Jeanette Hanover, his wife of 56 years. In 1950, he moved to Fairmont, WV, where he built a successful practice that lasted for 30 years. He served as president of the West Virginia Veterinary Medical Association in 1958. “Spanny” will be remembered for his lifelong love of animals, his sense of humor, and his wonderful outlook on life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette, his sisters, Ardith and Ruth, his brother, Robert, and his granddaughter, Shelley. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Knox and Mary Spanabel-Weber, his granddaughters, Stephanie Knox and April Weber, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, Templeton, CA, on Thursday, February 4, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, Woods Humane Society, or the charity of the donor’s
