John Kenneth Surman, 70, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at St. John’s Hospice.

He was born in Carlinville, IL on March 25, 1944, to William Kenneth and Virginia (Burr) Surman. He married Donna Jean Grant on Sept. 2, 1967 at Carlinville Methodist Church.

John was an Eagle Scout and a 1962 graduate of Carlinville High School. He attended Blackburn College and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Law School. John worked for Horsley Law Firm for 5 years and was part-time counsel for the State of IL Department of Agriculture for two years. He later opened Lott and Surman, P.C. and practiced for 40 years. He was the attorney for Curran Township and a member of the American Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association. John was a member of the Island Bay Yacht Club for 40 years. He was a member of First United Methodist Church where he was a teacher and member of the TLC class for 33 years. Throughout his life he served on numerous boards and committees. In all areas of his life, he reflected the love of his Lord, Jesus Christ and brought glory to Him.

John is survived by his wife, Donna; daughters, Elizabeth Anne (significant other, Doug Bagg) of Springfield and Catherine Jane (Dan) McCoy of Chicago; 2 grandsons, Ralph Jonathan and Andrew William McCoy; sister, Linda Bailey of Port Charlotte, FL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Judith (Richard) Lott of Springfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jane E. Euring.

Memorial Gathering and Service: Family will receive friends from 9 am until the time of a memorial service at 11 am Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, Rev. Dr. Roger Ross officiating. Private family burial will be in Mayfield Memorial Park, Carlinville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund at First United Methodist Church, 2941 S. Koke Mill Rd, Springfield, IL 62711.