Gift 
Earl Spohr, Forever Tall
Earl Spohr stands tall at six feet, four inches. He stands tall in character, values, and generosity as well. It's his approach to life -- serving his country, his community, and organizations that change lives for the better. The Saint Louis Zoo is fortunate to be among his beneficiaries.
Enlisting in the US Air Force at age 19, Earl served for 33 years before retiring as Chief Master Sergeant. Having lived in Morocco, Germany, Greenland, Guam, Vietnam, Okinawa, as well as stateside in Texas, Virginia, California, and Montana, Earl now makes his home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Never idle, he finds meaningful ways to serve others. Earl is a full-time volunteer at age 83 who devotes many hours per week at Shriners Hospitals for Children-St. Louis helping families navigate the hospital. He also volunteers 30 hours a week at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. Earl enjoys travel, especially ocean cruises with long stretches on the open sea.
Earl derives a great deal of satisfaction from having planned a legacy that reflects his values. When he included the Saint Louis Zoo in his estate plan, he did so to help keep the Zoo free to all in the excellent manner he has so enjoyed for years. "The Zoo is the best attraction in St. Louis," says Earl. His investment in the Zoo's future through a bequest provision is a heartwarming vote of confidence, inspiring the Zoo and his fellow supporters to stand tall by his example. From the Zoo's view, Earl will be forever tall as a deeply appreciated friend.
