Thomas Edward Spear

Tucson, AZ – Colonel Thomas Edward Spear died peacefully at his home on Thursday March 4, 2021. He was born October 15, 1936 to Thomas (TJ) and Louise Spear in Oklahoma City, OK. Survived by his son Scott Michael Spear of Grand Rapids MI, daughter Jill Spear Livingston (Mark) of Irvine, CA, four grandchildren, Jordan, Christian, Ryan and Taylor, his brother Mike Spear of Oklahoma City, his sister Pat Spear Hotaling of Buda, TX, and multiple nephews and nieces.

Tom grew up in Oklahoma City. His father, TJ was in the cattle business. Tom worked for his grandfather and uncle in the summers as a youth on their farm in Calumet, OK. Tom attended Classen High School where he played baseball and football, graduating in 1954. He attended Oklahoma University from 1954 to 1958. Graduating in 1958 with a degree in Geology, he married Patricia Williams and joined the US Air Force as an Officer in Training and became a pilot. Tom served as a pilot in Vietnam; he flew the F-4 fighter jet for 100+ missions; and received the Air Medal among other distinguished accommodations. After completing his tour in Vietnam, Tom received his master’s degree in business from Arizona State University in 1971. Tom retired from the Air Force in 1978 at the rank of Lt. Colonel.

After retiring from the military, Tom worked with his father in the cattle business and later in the oil business as a Landman. He lived in El Paso, TX for several years. He enjoyed his favorite hobbies of playing golf and horseback riding. Tom spent the last few years living in Tucson, Arizona where he enjoyed cooking, traveling, playing golf, and tinkering with the computer.

Tom was loved and admired by all who were fortunate to meet and know him. Tom possessed an infectious, subtle personality, a dry sense of humor, a wonderful way with words, and a fabulous laugh.