Jw Spears

CASA GRANDE - JW Spears, 85, of Casa Grande died on Feb. 15, 2017, at home.

Mr. Spears was born on Dec. 5, 1931, in Allen, Oklahoma, to Grady and Vernice Spears. A Korean War combat veteran, he had a military career spanning six years in the Army and 16 in the Air Force. He was known for his work in communications and in military police, where he trained police dogs and served as a prison guard. After retiring from the military he had several jobs but was best known for being a certified manufacturing accountant and a mining comptroller who traveled nationwide.

He later taught at Central Arizona College and, in later years, was a test examiner for Pearson Education. He enjoyed his family and the little things in life like reading, hunting and fishing. He really enjoyed camping and especially watching programs or talking about classic cars. He found joy in listening to country music, which reminded his family of his early square dancing days. He was known for his insight and keen sense of humor and touched the lives of many.

Survivors include his wife, Ardis Hilton; three adult children, Larry Spears of Austin, Texas, LaDonna Spears-Gorman of Stockton, Missouri, and Stan Spears of Tucson; a brother, Jim Spears of Sperry, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rosemary Spears, and two brothers, Kenneth and Glenn Spears.

Memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday, March 3, at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel.