John Claude ("J.C.") Springer

John Claude (“J.C.”) Springer, age 70, of Springfield, Missouri passed away on the morning of August 16, 2025, at Mercy Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

J.C. was born on May 30, 1955, in Rolla, Missouri to Paul and Mary Springer. He graduated from Bourbon High School in 1973 and continued his education at East Central College, earning his degree in 1977. He had a career in insurance for 10 years, but his true career building homes as a residential contractor began in 1987. Through Springer Homes and later Cornerstone Homes, J.C. dedicated over 30 years to his craft, earning a reputation for integrity and hard work until his retirement in 2017.

On March 12, 1977, J.C. married his best friend, Deanna (Warning). Their marriage of 48 years was a testament to devotion and partnership. Together, they were blessed with three children: Elizabeth Ann, Justin Claude, and Nathan Davis, who filled their lives with immeasurable pride and joy.

J.C. will be remembered for many things—his steadfast faith, generous spirit, and especially, his deep love for his family and friends. He was a dedicated member of Wesley United Methodist Church, always ready to lend a hand or a kind word. An avid sports fan, he had an intense passion for the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, Kansas City Chiefs, and all University of Missouri Tigers teams. J.C. loved cheering for his favorite teams, especially when accompanied by his two sons. In recent years, he and Deanna spent their winters on the sandy beaches of Marco Island in Florida. He enjoyed gardening in the summertime and walking at Nathanael Greene Park in the evenings. Nothing brought him more joy than playing with his 5 grandchildren, taking them swimming, or spoiling them with ice cream. A devoted father, he never missed an event for any of his children or grandchildren and would always be seen on the sidelines cheering them on. J.C. was generous to everyone and wanted to show the love of Christ to every person he interacted with.

J.C. is survived by his beloved wife, Deanna, of Springfield, Missouri; son Justin (Anna) of Liberty, MO; son Nathan (Camille) of Springfield, MO; and five grandchildren: Jackson, Neely, Asa, Beck, and Missouri. He is also survived by his brother George of St. Louis, MO, and his sister Jackie (Gary) Pinkston of Celebration, FL. His extended family includes sisters-in-law Debbie (Paul) Ransom of Leasburg, MO, Tammy (Jeff) Parmentier of Leasburg, MO, brothers-in-law Mark Pinnell of Leasburg, MO and Eric Witt of Sullivan, MO, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

J.C. is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mary Springer; his precious daughter, Elizabeth Ann; his father- and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Barbara Pinnell; his sister-in-law, Angela Witt; brother-in-law, Kenny Pinnell and his Great Aunt Blanche Davis.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Wesley United Methodist Church (922 W. Republic Road, Springfield, MO). A celebration of J.C.’s life will be held at 10 AM on Friday, August 22, at Wesley United Methodist Church, followed by graveside services and burial at Bourbon Cemetery on Essman Dunn Road, Bourbon, Missouri under the care of Herman Lohmeyer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Wesley United Methodist Church’s youth group or your favorite charity, in the spirit of J.C.’s generosity.

J.C.’s family extends their deepest gratitude for the loving support and care they have received at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, as well as the Wesley United Methodist Church Trinity Sunday School class. His kindness, enthusiasm, and love of life will long be cherished by all who were blessed to know him.