Columbus, OH — E. John Spindler passed away suddenly on March 7, 2019 at his home in Owosso, Mich. He was 89.

Spindler, the son of August and Janette Spindler, was born July 13, 1929 in Bad Axe, Mich.He graduated from Bad Axe High School, where his love for harness racing began, in 1947 before earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University and serving in Korea as a first lieutenant in the United States Army. He then went on to earn his Master of Education at Michigan State University in 1960.

Spindler was a member of the First Congregational Church of Owosso as well as Kiwanis, the United States Trotting Association and the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Association. He was involved in the Boy Scouts of America and was a proud to be a sheriff deputy for the Shiawassee County Animal Control.

John married Joan Spindler (née Shoemaker) on Feb. 26, 1955 in Bad Axe, Mich. He was a teacher at Owosso High School and a referee and coach for various sports prior to becoming principal of Bryant Elementary School for 30 years, where he was a mentor to teachers and students alike.

He bred and trained many trotters and pacers who competed at Michigan county fairs and pari-mutuel racetracks. John wintered and trained his homebreds at Pompano Park with the Michael Deters stable for many years, earning the nickname “Owosso Flash,” who is also a pacer named after John and still racing.

Two of his daughters, Janet and Jeri, followed his love for the sport, having their own racing stables for a time.

John is survived and will be missed by his wife Joan; children John C. and Janet (Elissa Pryor); grandchildren Cameron, Samuel and Natalie Gouloose; and many other loving friends and family. He was predeceased by daughters Jeri and Jennifer (Gouloose).