William S. Spears

William S. (Bill) Spears – 11/14/1919 – 2/27/2009

Bill Spears, career educator in Missouri schools, passed away in his sleep at Good Samaritan Center Olathe Friday, February 27, 2009. Mr. Spears graduated from Texas Tech University and after several years with Kraft Cheese Company he started his career in education in 1948 teaching agriculture to veterans in Noel, Mo and the McDonald County area. He transitioned into classroom teaching in Southwest City, Mo as the vocational agriculture teacher, and later in Noel teaching science. He obtained his Masters Degree from the University of Arkansas, and in 1963 began a second career as the superintendent of schools in Noel, Southwest City, Hughesville/Houstonia, and finally Sturgeon, MO where he retired in 1981. He spent many years on his farm outside Sturgeon tending cattle, gardening, enjoying an active church life in the Sturgeon Baptist Church and was proud to be a 50 year Mason and was a member of Ararat Temple.

Mr. Spears was born in Ft Worth, Texas November 14, 1919. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, and is survived by his wife, Berneice, Good Samaritan Center, Olathe; daughter Sandra Mailey, Shippensburg, PA; son and daughter-in-law Roger and Susan Spears, Gardner, KS; six grandchildren, Kevin, Ryan and Lauren Spears all in the KC metro area; Shawn Mailey, Downingtown, PA; Mark Mailey, Columbia, SC; and Sarah Mailey, Shippensburg, PA; and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Hospice of Olathe Medical Center.