Howard “Doc” Stratton Spiva, 92, passed away on January 27, 2016 at Mercy Hospital Joplin, surrounded by family, following a brief battle with leukemia.
Doc was born on February 22, 1923 in Stella, MO to Thomas Everett Spiva and Ruby Lentz Spiva. He was one of 12 children.
Doc graduated from Stella High School in May of 1941 with a scholarship to Missouri State University, intending to pursue a baseball career. Instead, shortly after he turned 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight for his country in World War II. He began his military career with the Military Police but then became a combat engineer when he was sent to the Pacific Theatre. His primary mission was to build bridges allowing troops to safely advance. From 1942 to 1944, most of Doc’s time was spent in Australia, New Caledonia, and the Philippines. Despite receiving a gunshot wound to his hand, Doc taught himself to fire his weapon with his middle finger and returned to his regiment to continue to fight. Doc was one of the last to return from the war, having spent a total of 3 years, 3 months, and 27 days away from American soil. Upon returning to the United States, Doc joined the Army Reserves and continued to serve for 32 years, retiring as a Major.
When Doc returned from the war, he settled in Joplin. There, he met and married Norma Jean Key. They had three children: Tammeria (Dale) Hawks, Scott Spiva, and Matthew (Carolyne) Davis. He went to work at Vickers, where he worked for over 18 years. The remainder of his working career was spent as Sales Manager for 3M.
Doc has always been known in the community as a servant and leader, always ready to lend a helping hand. And he never forgot a face. He was involved in the Boys Club of Joplin, Joplin Optimist Club, Joplin Board of Adjustments, and was a lifetime member of the Stella United Methodist Church. Baseball was a lifetime passion and he was involved in organizing and coaching many baseball leagues for over 40 years. His leagues include the Mickey Mantle Baseball League, Joplin Babe Ruth League, and American Legion Baseball Post 13.
Over 30 years ago, Doc founded the Joplin Arthritis Foundation, now known as Home Medical Equipment Services, a non-profit United Way Agency. The organization provides medical equipment to people in the four-state area who are unable to afford it otherwise. Until his death, he served as President of the Board of Directors. In 2011, he was instrumental in raising donations for the victims of the Joplin Tornado, making sure veterans who came for help had food, clothing, and shelter.
Other than his family, one of Doc’s proudest achievements is the time he spent with Joplin’s Robert S. Thurman American Legion Post 13. He became Post Commander and, among other duties, was in charge of providing military honors for veterans’ funerals. He attended and participated in over 800 military funerals, ensuring that his fellow veterans were given the honors they earned serving their country. On Veterans Day 2011, Joplin Mayor Michael Woolston recognized Doc’s service by appointing him Grand Marshall of the 2011 Veterans Day Parade.
In addition to his parents, Doc was preceded in death by Norma Jean, sisters Theresa (Frank) Laudenslager, Chloe (Carl) Woolard, Maudine (J.D.) Johnson, Ruby (Bob) Baker, brothers Bill (Geraldine) Spiva, John Calvin “J.C.” (Betty) Spiva, and Ray Spiva.
Doc is survived by his three loving children, Tammy, Scott, and Matt, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren as well as sisters Christine (Les) Sartain, Pasty (Robert) Kruse, Carolyn (Jerry) Hatfield, and brother Albert (Nancy) Spiva.
Visitation
Friday, January 29th, 2016, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Mason-Woodard Chapel
Service Information
Saturday, January 30th, 2016, 2:00pm
Mason-Woodard Chapel
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