Steven Tremble Spees, Jr.

Steven married his high school sweetheart, Esther Spees (Eller), on December 26, 1953, in Pulaski County, Indiana. Together, they built a life filled with love and dedication to family and education.

Steven attended the U.S Naval Academy from 1952 to 1953 and was honorably discharged. A distinguished scholar and educator, Steven earned degrees from Ball State University and Purdue before completing his Ph.D. at the University of Southern California. Wanting to be closer to family, he moved back to the Midwest and taught at Ohio State University and University of Minnesota before settling in East Lansing at Michigan State University.

Steven's career at Michigan State University was marked by his contributions to Lyman Briggs College for over 44 years. As the pioneering chemistry professor in 1967, he and others shaped the department and educated thousands of students. While he also served as Associate Dean later in his career, filled interim leadership positions, and participated in academic governance at all levels, his greatest joy came from interacting with the students- both teaching and learning. His classes were fondly referred to as Speesiology. He was always interested in sharing stories and hearing where life had taken people. Post official retirement Steven continued to support the university through various positions and enjoyed spending time at the lake with Esther and family. In his words, we are to “keep up the good work.”

Steven is survived by his beloved wife of over 71 years, Esther M. Spees; his children Laura E. Spees (Stephen Bon), and Steven T. Spees III; grandchildren Joshua Bon (Emily), Sarah Spees-Alspaugh (Chris Alspaugh), Christopher Bon, Cameron Spees (Macenzie), Christian Spees (Amanda), Miranda Spees, Sunshine Bon (Adam McKinny), Jeremy Bon (Audrey), and David Bon (Kelly); great-grandchildren Ruben Bon, Lazarus Gerardy, Samantha Alspaugh, Henry, Lillian and Georgia Bon, Julian and Adelaide Bon; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Karen L. Spees-Cooper (Alan Cooper-living); grandson Nolyn Flint; and siblings Mary Jane VanVactor, Stanley Spees (Joanne-living), and Debra French (William-living).

A celebration of life will be held later in the spring. Donations in his memory may be made to the Steven T. and Esther M. Spees Endowed Scholarship Fund at Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University. May his legacy of kindness, inquiry, and pursuit of knowledge continue to inspire all who knew him.