John S Spinden

John S. Spinden of Hermiston, Oregon, was born on March 7, 1939 in Vinita, Oklahoma to parents, Edwin Samuel Spinden and Esther Viola (Flint) Spinden. He died on February 13, 2023 in Hermiston, Oregon at the age of 83 years. John was raised and attended school in St Helens, Oregon. In May of 1957 he went to work as a machinist apprentice for the Union Pacific Railroad in the Albina yard. John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Virginia “Mamadeen” King on November 15, 1958. He served in the Oregon Army National Guard from 1959 until 1968. They moved their family to Hermiston, Oregon in 1963 when John transferred to Hinkle Yard as a full machinist. He worked at Hinkle until retiring on May 31, 2001. John was active in the Maxwell Siding Museum and the American Legion. “It’s a poor day when you can’t make a friend!”

He is survived by his daughter: Laurie Taft (Ron), Umatilla; sons: John Ross Spinden (Kathleen), Vernonia and Brian Jay Spinden (Debbie), Sumpter; grandchildren: Patricia, Eric, Neal, Royce (Alexis), Jason (Ashley), Jeremy, Christopher Corrie), Stella, Mickell (Shawn), Lilliann, Joshua, Ben, Emily(Chris), Erika (Andrew), Rachel (Ben); great grandchildren: Hope, Tori, Svetlana, Jada, Jason(JR), Jeffery, Skylar, Taygen, Avery, Tim, Kaleah, Ryder, Alana, William, Theodore, Charlie, Margot, Luke, Casey and Tyler. Adopted great-grandsons Hayden and Magnus; brothers: Steve Spinden (Vivian) and Jim Spinden (Debbie); like a brother: Bill Makinan (Phyllis), daughter Julie Zumwalt (Bryan), as well as many loving and loved nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, parents, brothers: Samuel Spinden and William George, niece Karen and nephew Steven.

Memorial/Celebration of Life will be held on June 3 ,2023 at 1:00 @ West Park,3rd Street, Umatilla, Oregon. It is by  the nature trails and ponds
Below the dam where the railroad held their family day bbq/picnic.

Please share memories of John with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John S Spinden, please visit our floral store.