Glenn Spears

Friday, January 2, 2009

April 21, 1912-Jan. 2, 2009

BENKELMAN -- Glenn Allen Spears, 96, died Thursday, (Jan. 2, 2009) at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

He was born April 21, 1912, in Rawlins County, to Sherman and Flossie (Hoover) Spears. He spent his youth on the family farm and attended country school near his home.

On June 12, 1934, he married Vernice Gerdes at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman where they were lifelong members. During their early years of marriage, they farmed in the Haigler area. In 1946 they moved to Benkelman and began farming and raising cattle south of Max, near the state line. At the same time, he began designing and building the home where he and Vernice raised their family and lived until their retirement in 2007.

He delivered meals on wheels in Benkelman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lloyd, Willis, Anita, Melvin, Lester, Elmer, Laura, and an infant baby; and one grandson, Ronald King.

Survivors include his wife Vernice Spears of Benkelman; daughters, Letitia King and husband, Dale of Yuma, Colo., and Marciea Weaver of Goodland, Kan.; son, Lynn Spears and wife, Karen of Cedaredge, Colo.; a sister, Mildred Stretch and husband, Les of Hamlet; brothers, Bob Spears and wife, Joan of Niland, Calif., and Eldon Spears and wife Donna of Arvada, Colo.; sisters-in-law, Fern Cross and Mable Spears, both of Benkelman; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday, 2 p.m. (MST) at Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with the Rev. George Matthews officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in his name to Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.