John Thomas Spring

Long time Cottonwood resident Tom Spring has passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan; his children Kimberly Fillmore (William), Christopher Spring (Steve), Mallory Denzler (Shane); his grandchildren Rachel Ramsey, Leyci Denzler, Anthony Fillmore, Andrew Fillmore; his nieces Lisa Scott (Spark), Lori Heissler (Gary), Lynn Johnston, Lisa Upchurch (Scott); and nephew, Paul Richardson. He was proceeded in death by his beloved parents Ivan and Alice Spring; sister Mary Alice Richardson (Lonnie), brother Harry Spring; nephews Loran Richardson (Debbie), Scott Richardson; niece Merrilee Morgan (Justin).

Born in Muscatine, Iowa, his family moved to Elgin, Illinois in the early 1940’s. He lived there until he moved his family to Cottonwood in 1978 when he and Joan purchased Cottonwood Glass & Mirror, which they owned and operated until 1993.

Tom was an original member of the Cottonwood Area Business Association, the precursor to the local Chamber of Commerce, served on the Planning and Zoning commission for the Town of Cottonwood and in retirement, was a regular among the local car shows, showing off his latest resto-mod. A lifetime member of the American Motorcycle Association, his passion for motorcycling led him to be a long-time member of the Arizona Desert Racing Association, and he was a driving force behind having the Hayfield Draw OHV area on State Route 260 created and designated for riders.

A memorial service will be held on May 16, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Mountain View United Methodist Church, 901 S. 12th Street in Cottonwood with light refreshments served directly following the service in the Fellowship Hall.