This past October, John Spann, a longtime Coyote Hill supporter, passed away. John and his late wife Marty were foundational to our expansion to Jefferson City. We will remember and miss their humility, compassion, and kindness.
Zach Cummings (from left), John Spann, Michael Flynn, and Kyle Peek pose for a photo in the Coyote Hill Jefferson City office.
Standing by the column on the left, John celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Coyote Hill Jefferson City home as an ambassador.
John and Marty initially served on the “Coyote Hill South” committee, which grew to be the Jefferson City ambassador team. In February 2021, Marty passed away after a long battle with cancer. John continued to give and serve Coyote Hill foster families faithfully. Jefferson City Area Coordinator Kyle Peek viewed John’s commitment as a testament to his love for his wife. Marty was very passionate about caring for children in foster care.
Marty and John were prayerful, dedicated members of our Jefferson City team who made it possible to expand our work. We would not be in Jefferson City without them.
“John and Marty were instrumental,” Bill Atherton, Coyote Hill’s Chief Executive Officer, said. “Their contributions have already changed the direction of many children’s lives. Their legacy will continue to impact children in foster care for generations to come.”
Kari Hopkins, Coyote Hill COO, shared a fond memory of John. He made a special effort to care for foster families in Jefferson City.
“I will never forget how excited John was to give every foster family in Jefferson City a gift card last year,” Kari said. We had shared that treating a family to a dinner out was one of the best ways to bless them. He was thrilled to give to everyone. I could tell that he cared so deeply for each family.”
Fellow Jefferson City Ambassador Michael Flynn shared his experiences with John and Marty, reflecting on their positivity and generosity with their time and resources.
“John and Marty we enthusiastic supporters of the effort to bring Coyote Hill services to the Cole and Callaway counties from the start,” Michael said. “They were always positive and willing to do whatever was needed, graciously donating time and finances. John was willing to move tables, build playgrounds, ask great questions during meetings, listen carefully and thoughtfully, and participate in tours. He and Marty are certainly missed. We were blessed to have them in our lives.”
Another Jefferson City Ambassador, Penny Mueller reflected on John and Marty’s commitment to one another.
“You could not think of John Spann without thinking of Marty and vice versa,” Penny shared. “They were both instrumental in bringing the vision of Coyote Hill to the Jefferson City community. They were a part of the initial discussions and stayed involved until their final breaths. Even when Marty was fighting cancer and towards the end, once we closed on the Jefferson City home, she and John went furniture store to furniture store in Jefferson City to find just the right pieces of furniture we needed to make the house a real home. They believed in the ministry and mission of Coyote Hill! They were true ambassadors and talked about Coyote Hill to everyone that would listen!”
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