FRANKLIN
Dr. John M. Spears, 91, passed away Sunday, April 10, 2016. He was a resident of Franklin and a retired pediatrician.
He was born March 30, 1925, in Franklin, the son of Roscoe and Bessie (Mullendore) Spears.
He graduated from Franklin High School in 1943 and from Franklin College in 1947. He was member of Blue Key, Alpha Honorary, and Who’s Who among Colleges and Universities. He also was a member of the Indiana Alpha Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Franklin College.
He graduated from IU School of Medicine in 1951. He served an internship at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital in Gary.
He practiced in Hobart for one year before induction into the U.S. Army Medical Corps. He served in Germany during the Korean War. He then served a pediatric residency at Riley Hospital. He practiced pediatrics in Southport until 1976 when he entered the U.S. Air Force.
After retirement from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, he became interested in forestry and spent most of time at his farm in Brown County. He was tree farmer of the year in the State of Indiana in 1982 by the DNR Forestry Service.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty Charlotte (Kirla) Spears. Other survivors include sister-in-law, Veronica Ring; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his siblings, Betty Spears Coy, Joseph Spears and Charles Spears; and his three children, Brian, David and Susan.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Christian Church, 2717 S. Morgantown Road, Morgantown. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Morgantown First Christian Church, 2717 S. Morgantown Road, Morgantown, IN 46160 and Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509.
Online condolences may be received at flinnmaguire.com.
