Spohn

Carl R. Spohn, a lifelong resident of Fawn Township, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the age of 95.

He was laid to rest at Mount Airy Cemetery with a private burial attended by his immediate family.

Carl was born on Nov. 13, 1927, in Brackenridge, Pa., and was the son to the late John W. and Roxie H. Spohn. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Spohn; his daughter, Michelle (Anthony Schrim Jr.) Spohn; his daughter-in-law, Laurie (Robert) Spohn; his grandchildren, Shane (Holly) McGregor, Braden Spohn, Ethan Schrim and Charlie Spohn; great-grandchildren Miles and Maeve McGregor; and much-loved nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Terry James Spohn and Robert Dale Spohn; and his sisters, Janice Norris and Marian Kuhn.

During his lifetime, Carl exemplified the virtues of duty, honor and service. He graduated with the Class of 1944 with a grade acceleration of two years. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947, including a tour in South Korea.

At the age of 16, Carl embarked on a long and distinguished career at Gulf Research & Development, where for 55 years he fulfilled many roles in automotive engineering — from engine test operator to director of Automotive Test Operations and Development. Carl became a renowned authority on petroleum product research, automotive engine design and testing. He authored numerous research publications, held multiple patents and served as president of the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Carl also served on several committees of the American Petroleum Institute and Detroit Advisory Panel and played a critical role in the creation of the University of Pittsburgh Applied Research Center. He also participated in the design of the Le Mans' winning Gulf Mirage racing car. He continued with Chevron through its acquisition of Gulf Oil and then served as a consultant and primary liaison to Ford Motors and Chrysler, General Motors and Mobil Oil. Carl's passion for automotive engineering was inspirational to many. He perked up and loved to discuss a good engine design, even into his nineties.

Carl was a lifelong member of Center United Methodist Church. He truly believed in the practice of good works and tithing. He held many volunteer positions over the course of 70 years. He was always aware of and willing to help those in need. In his work he pioneered training and employment programs for at-risk young adults. He was committed to his community, where he served as chairman of the Fawn Township Zoning Board for more than 26 years. Carl was also a member of Pollock Lodge 502 and the Shriners of Allegheny Valley.

Carl was intelligent, creative and quite humble about his accomplishments. He had an amazing sense of humor and hilariously sharp wit. He spent more days of his life than not making a good joke. Even his hospice caregivers caught a glimpse of his humor a few times.

When he was able to, Carl loved to be in the woods at his farm property in Sarver or Camp Spohesku in Tionesta. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and rode his quad well into his 80s. He loved planning vacations with his family, especially to Florida and Walt Disney World and instilled a “love of Disney” in his children. Also very special to him was spending holidays together with his extended family, especially Christmas and Easter — when he hosted, for 25 years, his famous color-coded egg hunt. Carl was a man of great character, whose dedication to his family, his country and his community will be remembered always and greatly missed.

In honor of Carl's lifelong commitment to serving others, donations can be made to Center United Methodist Church, 1575 Donellville Road, Natrona Heights, PA. The family also would like to gratefully acknowledge the excellent care provided by the Good Samaritan Hospice in-home team for the past 18 months and the Wexford facility where he spent his final few days.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.