Eddie Spitz

John Edd “Eddie” Spitz, 95 a longtime resident of the Fort Sumner valley passed away Monday, October 21, 2019 at Plains Regional Medical Center in Clovis. Eddie was born February 28, 1924 in Fort Sumner to the home of Florencio William Spitz and the former Maria Tecla Swabecher. He attended Fort Sumner Schools. Eddie joined the U.S. Navy during his senior year of high school. He completed his education in the service. Eddie was inducted on July 10, 1944 and honorably discharged on June 4, 1946 as a Yeoman Third Class. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 8 years. Eddie served with the NM Army National Guard for one year until his Honorable discharge on April 11, 1957. He served as a Supply Sergeant. Eddie married Norma Jean Boen on May 10, 1951 in Fort Sumner. Eddie attended Benson School of Commerce in Clovis following his military service. He worked as a bookkeeper for City Gas in Fort Sumner, before joining the Citizen’s Bank as a bank teller on January 2, 1959. He worked for the bank and retired on February 28, 1989 as Vice President of the Fort Sumner Agency of Citizen’s Bank. Eddie also farmed in the Fort Sumner valley for many years. An active member of his community, Eddie served on the Selective Service Board, a charter member of Fort Sumner Lion’s Club, past member of Fort Sumner Irrigation District Board, served on the A.S.C.S. Board. He also served as Deputy County Treasurer, and served on the Fort Sumner Housing Authority Board. Eddie was also active in his church, a longtime member of First Baptist Church, he served as a Deacon for many years and taught Sunday School for many years. Eddie enjoyed bowling, spending time on his farm and working on his tractors, making jig-saw puzzles. He also worked on clocks and repaired TV’s for several years. Eddie favorite past time was visiting with his friends at Addison Drug Store and driving around with his family. Eddie is preceded in death by parents, five brothers Eddie, Frank, Alfred, Willie, and Paul Spitz, four sisters Maggie Sanderson, Tennie Oliver, Annie Lopez, and Florence Pena, and a son in law Paul Fishell on January 4, 2018. Survivors include his wife Norma Jean Spitz of the home in the Fort Sumner valley, three daughters Deborah Jean Fishell of Fort Sumner, Pamela Kay Scott (Mike) of Farwell, TX, and Cathy Lynne Vick of Lubbock, Texas, one brother Joe D. Spitz of Lamar, Co, and a sister Pauline Spitz of Welch, OK. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Jim Peabody officiating. Military honors by U.S. Naval Honor Guard will follow. The family requests memorial contributions in memory of John "Eddie" Spitz to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 180, Fort Sumner, New Mexico 88119. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home in Fort Sumner. (575) 355-2311.