Lester Spears

Lester Royce Spears, 88, of Independence, MO peacefully passed away Saturday, October 16, 2010 at his home. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2010 at the 1st Baptist Church of Independence, 500 Truman Rd., Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Burial in Mt. Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church or Crossroads Hospice. Lester was born January 17, 1922 in Bates County, MO to Charles and Marjorie (Smith) Spears. Mr. Spears proudly served in the Army Company D 708th Amphibious Tank Battalion during WWII. He retired from General Motors after 33 years of dedicated service in 1980. Mr. Spears enjoyed woodworking, flower gardening, and fishing in his spare time. Lester was an active and faithful member of the church. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dorine Spears; children Linda Picton and husband Richard, Bill Spears and wife Darla, Kathy Burns and husband Michael, Brenda Curry and husband Mark; grandchildren Charles, Lora and Kara Picton, David and Jane Gillespie, Lisa Gillespie, Rachel Spears, Claighton Curry; sister Bonnie Pitts and husband Dee; and by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Lester was preceded in death by his sisters Wilma, Lois and Norma.