Gary E. Spears

Gary E. Spears, 65, of Springfield, died at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2005 at Memorial Medical Center. Gary was born January 7, 1940 in Waterloo, IA the son of Elwyn B. and Ramona E. Frisbie Spears. He married Janice M. Solem, June 25, 1960 at St. Patrick’s Church in Cedar Falls, IA. Mr. Spears was a 1958 graduate of West Waterloo High School in Waterloo, IA. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a program director for WICS News Channel 20 for 37 years retiring in 2001. He was a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish. He was past Chairman of the Board for Springfield Community Action, past member of NAACP, Urban League, Sertoma, Explorers, IL Broadcasting Association and Springfield Ski and Boat Club. Gary loved to read, enjoyed auto racing, golf, boating and sports, especially the Fighting Illini. He loved his family and animals, especially his cat, Miss Kitty. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law: Marlys Spears. He is survived by his wife: Janice M. of Springfield and Cuba, IL; daughter: Kathy Spears of Springfield; son: Michael S. Spears of Springfield; two sisters; Beverly and Barbara Spears both of Waterloo, IA; two brothers: Gene (wife, Darlene) Spears of Waterloo, IA, Steve Spears of Cedar Falls, IA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation will be accorded by the Cremation Tribute Center. Family will receive friends from 4-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield with a prayer service at 5:45 p.m. with Rev. Msgr. John A. Renken officiating. Additional visitation will be from 9-10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 21, 2005 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar Falls, IA. Memorial Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. James L. Secora celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to American Lung Association of Illinois, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL 62707 or Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702 or donate a book to Cuba Elementary Library in Gary’s Name, 669 E. Main St. P.O. Box 79, Cuba, IL 61427. The family of Gary E. Spears is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home and Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield.