Homer Spiers

Homer D Spiers, 87, a resident of the Groves in Indep, MO, passed away Thurs., Dec. 8, 2011. Homer Dale Spiers was born on Sept. 24, 1924, at Hays, KS to Ira and Leah Spiers. Homer spent his youth on the family farm at Oakley, KS. After graduating from Oakley HS, he attended Kansas St Univ, graduating in 1946 with a degree in chemical engineering. After graduating he accepted a job in the Kansas City area. During this time, Homer was introduced to Virginia Gillum of Kansas City, KS. Shortly after they were married in 1949, Homer went to work for the Superior Oil Co. in Los Angeles, CA for 13 years, residing in Temple City, CA. Homer became a full time minister for the Community of Christ church in 1963. Shortly thereafter, he was assigned as the administrator of Resthaven Nursing Home in Indep, MO. He held that position for 24 years. While there, he enjoyed interaction with the residents and employees who knew him as “The Bishop”. Under his direction, Resthaven grew from a 68 bed facility to a three-phase care center capable of serving 271 residents. Homer was also responsible for the construction of the Elbert A Smith retirement complex now called the Forest View Senior Residences, a part of the Groves campus. During this period he was also very active representing Resthaven in the MO Health Care Assoc. where he held offices of Treas. and Pres., and served on the executive board for 20 years. He made countless contributions to the MO and national nursing home industries. After retirement, Homer and Virginia spent some time traveling with their trailer, including a trip to AK and several winters spent in TX. He was a member of the Community of Christ Church at Temple City, CA., Gudgell Park, Indep, MO and then the Groves in Indep, MO. Homer spent his last years residing at the Forest View Senior Residences where he continued to serve by being on the board for the Groves.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Virginia (Gillum) Spiers; daughter, Karen (Greg) Smith of KCMO; sons, Scott (Erlinda) of Lees Summit and Kent (Debbie) of KCMO; sisters, Edith Fienhold of Council Bluffs, IA, and Margie Spiers of Topeka, KS; and sister-in-law, Betty Spiers of Ft. Worth, TX; grandchildren, Kendra (Dan) Porter, Joshua (Michelle) Smith, Lindsay (Scotty) Wright, and Lea Spiers; and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Austin Porter and Abigail Smith.
Preceding Homer in death were his parents, Ira and Leah Spiers; sister, Ethel; brother, Virgil; and brother-in-law, Don Fienhold.
Visitation will be at 10 am Sat., Feb. 18th at The Groves, 1515 W White Oak, Indep, MO. A memorial service will follow at 11 am. Memorial contributions can be made to Outreach International.