Louis "Lou" Spanner, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away after a short illness at Morristown Hospital on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 78.
Born on September 5, 1946, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Jules and June Spanner. Lou grew up with a love for life that he carried with him through his journey across the years.
He lived in Elizabeth, Watchung, and Bridgewater, NJ, before settling in Whitehouse Station to raise his family. He and his wife, Karen, shared a passion for exploring art shows and touring historic homes, and for the past 30 years, they made their home in their own beautiful stone house in Pittstown, where they built a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories.
Lou attended Union County College and honorably served his country on active duty in the Navy for two years. In 1966, he married his soulmate, Karen, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly six decades. Together, they created a family and a legacy of love.
In 1987, Lou founded Spanner Tree & Shrub Care Inc., turning his passion for nature into a thriving business. As a certified tree expert, he built a reputation for excellence and a strong work ethic, which he passed on to his family.
Lou was a man of many interests and talents. He filled his home with an impressive collection of artwork and family photos, each piece a testament to his appreciation for beauty and family. He was a bird and flower enthusiast, a devoted gardener, and a voracious reader of historical books. Lou also found joy in music, often playing his guitar, and he never missed an opportunity to hit the golf course.
Summers on Chebeague Island, Maine, were a treasured tradition for Lou and his family. There, they bonded over golfing, boating, and, of course, enjoying lobsters. Cape May was another favorite destination, where he welcomed visits from his sister Kathy and the extended family for a week of fun and togetherness.
Lou's outgoing personality and genuine warmth made him a magnet for friendships. He had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people and valued the deep relationships he nurtured over the years. His home was always the center of family holidays and parties, a place where love and laughter flourished.
Above all, Lou was incredibly proud of his family. He celebrated Karen's academic achievements and took immense pride in the hard work and successes of his children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his brother, Greg and his brother-in-law, Hayes MacArthur.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his daughter, Ami Payne and her husband, Bill of Marlton, NJ; his son, Mark and his wife, Kerry of Hampton; his cherished grandchildren, Ashlyn and Amanda Payne and Autum Spanner.
Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM with a service to be held at 12:00 at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ 08888.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Lou's honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org or to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.