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Spears, Jr., John T.

August 3, 1924 –
 June 10, 2017

Obituary

John T. Spears, Jr., age 92, of Irving, Texas, passed from this life on June 10, 2017 at his daughter’s home in Coppell, Texas after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born August 3, 1924 to John T. and Marta Spears in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the fifth of six children.  He graduated from Ardmore High School in 1942, without a single absence in his final six years, playing baseball and wrestling.  He served in Co A 251st Engineer Combat Battalion, United States Army in World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor in Germany in 1945.  After serving two years, eight months, and one day he returned to finish a B.S. in Geology at the University of Oklahoma in 1951.  He loved geology as much in his 90’s as he did in his 20’s and enjoyed the many ventures he was involved in throughout his career as an employee, consultant, partner, and independent petroleum geologist, remaining active until his passing.  He enjoyed sharing about his chosen profession at his granddaughter’s school, with “Rocks Rule” as the theme of the day.  Being outdoors in God’s creation was important to him whether hunting, playing tennis, or golfing with friends.  He found a new source of energy in the people he met socially and working out at Irving Heritage Senior Center.  His wife of 38 years Mary Brown Spears and his daughter Helen Kay Spears predecease him.  He is survived by his daughter, Patricia Spears (Damon) Thompson, granddaughter Megan Thompson (Michael) Fooshée, his first wife Helen Barrett Spears, many nieces and nephews who knew him as “Junior”, and his good friend and neighbor, Ray Smith, his “wingman” for the past 17 years.  Some called John a hero yet he freely acknowledged his own fear, accepted it, and found the faith to take the next step. Heaven needed an angel of faith, courage, quiet conviction, and strength.  Many thanks to the people at Ardent hospice for their compassionate care.  Memorial service and reception will be Friday, July 7, 2017 at 2:00PM in Shipp Chapel at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood Rd. Dallas, TX.  Inurnment will be Saturday, July 8, 2017, 10:30AM at Rose Hill Cemetery, 1604 C St SE (2nd Addition, SE corner H&15), Ardmore, OK.  Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Boy Scouts of America.     Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site. Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 1820 N. Belt Line Road Irving, Texas 75061 972-607-4400

    Kathy Peeler Juliano
    29 Jun 2017
    8:35pm

    Patricia, I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. I remember riding around with you in his big convertible. He was always so much fun and I know you will miss him dearly. Love to you and yours, Kathy

    Rhonda Weddle
    29 Jun 2017
    9:21pm

    Patricia, your dad was an amazing man. I enjoy d spending time with him. May your memories comfort you.

    Margie Marek
    30 Jun 2017
    8:31am

    Loved your dad. He was always friendly to “Marge”, as he called me. He was a devoted father, husband and friend and will be missed by so many people.

    Lisa Jenneman
    30 Jun 2017
    2:19pm

    Patricia, I was sorry to hear the news that your father passed. My heart goes out to you and your family during this time of mourning. I know you loved your Daddy, and it is wonderful that he was in the comfort of your home at the end of his earthly life. He lives on in Heaven with all of his loved ones who passed before him. He will watch over you the rest of your earthly life, waiting for you to join him. I know our loved ones who have passed before us love watching us from Heaven and find great excitement and joy when they to see us happy, laughing, and enjoying life. We are praying fervently during this time of grief and thinking of you, Megan, and Damon as you prepare for his service. Much love and prayers are being sent your way! Love, Lisa, Tom, Jenni & James (and Jeffrey is with your Dad! I hope they get to meet cuz your Dad sounds like a great guy who lived a very full life on earth.) With light and love, may God bless you.

    Delpha Z Randazzo
    1 Jul 2017
    8:16am

    Patricia, Your dad was a very fine man and will be missed by many. Hold him in your heart and keep him close by cherishing the beautiful memories you made while he was with you. Rely on God’s strength and love to sustain you. God bless and protect you always. Our sincerest condolences, Terry and Delpha

    Annette Crane
    3 Jul 2017
    1:10pm

    Patricia, I’m so glad Stephen, Adrienne, & I came to see your dad the weekend before he passed away. As you know, Steve always looked up to Junior & will miss their Amore rendezvous. May God bless your family at this sad time & bring peace to your heart.

    Mary King Laughlin
    4 Jul 2017
    7:25pm

    Dear Patricia, Damon and Megan,
    John Spears was one of the finest men I have ever known. He was kind, strong, caring, accomplished and humble. He surely loved his “girls”, Helen, Patricia and Megan. My life was enriched for having known him.
    Love, Mary

    Bob & Leti Wingfield
    5 Jul 2017
    3:34pm

    Patricia, We are sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. You now have another angel in Heaven watching over you. Sending lots of love and peace to you and your family.

    Renate Fry
    8 Jul 2017
    10:33am

    Patricia, I’m thinking about you and your family as you mourn the passing of your dear father and as you celebrate his long, wonderful life. You were a highlight of his life, and he was so fortunate to have you be a significant part of it. Cherish the many sweet memories, my dear friend. Much love to you and your family.

    Jackie Townsend
    11 Aug 2017
    2:09pm

    I am so sad to hear of John’s passing. He was one of the nicest coolest and generous people I have known throughout my life. John and Mary lived across the street from my husband Trent, son Trevor, who’s middle name was after John’s name, and daughter Melissa, whose middle name was after John’s wife Mary Maxine! We knew them both for many many years, about 36 years to be exact! I loved them both so much! He will be so missed by his family and friends! Cheers to you John, may you Rest In Peace! I love you!
    Love Jackie, Trent, and Melissa!!
    Hug my Trevor for me and Miss Mary too!!

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"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
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