Sherman E. "Sherm" Spears

Sherman E. “Sherm” Spears was born December 10, 1942, in Port Orchard, Kitsap County, Washington, son of David Elmore and Maxine Hazel (Elliott) Spears. Sherm lived most of his life in Ottawa, KS, and always considered Ottawa his home. Due to the nature of his work, he also lived in many different cities and states for short periods of time. He was a resident of Miamisburg, Ohio, at the time of his death on Friday, April 30, 2010 at the age of 67 years. Sherm graduated from Ottawa High School in 1960. He was an electrician for 49 years, retiring as an Electrical Superintendent in May of 2009. He worked for Allied Electrical, Huxtable Electric and PRO/T.O.A.N. Electric. He also owned the Burger Bowl, Pow Wow, and Hideway in Ottawa and the Brass Cellar in Chanute, KS. Sherm was very active in the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE). He was a 46-year member of FOE #2700 in Ottawa, which he joined in 1963. He was elected to his first office the following year and served in all local chairs, except for treasurer. He was President of the Ottawa FOE #2700 in 1971-1972. He was secretary of Ottawa #2700 for 15 years. He was a Kansas State officer for several years serving as Kansas State Aerie President in 1981-1982. He began his rise in the international FOE when he was elected Grand Worthy Outside Guard in 1983. He advanced through the chairs of the Grand Aerie FOE, and was elected and served as the international Grand Worthy President in 1992-1993. His installation as Grand Worthy President was held in Salt Lake City, UT. He was elected to the FOE Grand Aerie Hall of Fame in 1997. He was an honorary dual member of several aeries across the country and was a dual member of #2306 at Miamisburg, OH. He was also a member of BPOE (Elks) #806 of Chanute, KS and of IBEW Local Union #124. He was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ottawa, KS. Sherm enjoyed playing cards, golf, pool, bowling, and watching sports. He was a very proud season ticket holder of the KC Royals for several years, and a very loyal KU and Chiefs fan. He coached Babe Ruth Baseball and American Legion Baseball for many years. He was secretary of the Ottawa Men’s Bowling Association for many years and also was the FOE Kansas State Bowling Chairman for 17 years. SERVICES: Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa. Family will gather and meet after the Memorial Service at the Eagles Lodge at 15th and Mulberry, Ottawa, KS for those who would like to join the family for further reminiscing and sharing stories. Sherm was very proud that all of his children and their spouses were members of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Sherm was very loved by his family; and he was also loved and respected by FOE aerie and auxiliary members across the United States and Canada for his passion for the Eagles, the millions of dollars raised for charities and for “People Helping People.” On June 2, 1962, Sherm was united in marriage with Mary Alice Ferguson. They were later divorced. On December 7, 1974, Sherm was united in marriage with Barbara J. Paugh. They were later divorced. On May 1, 1999, Sherm was united in marriage with Candy (Clapp) Brown. She survives of their home in Miamisburg, Ohio. He is also survived by three sons, Kevin Spears, Milwaukee, WI, David (Debbie) Spears, Ottawa, KS, Tim Spears, Ottawa, KS; daughter, Theresa (Tim) Morrow, Ottawa, KS; five step-children, Steve (Annette) Paugh, Richmond, KS, Deb (Mike) Carey, Princeton, KS, Robyn Owen, Maimisburg, OH, Shannon (Jon) Romeo, Maimisburg, OH, Brandi Brown, Chanute, KS; two brothers, David (Joanne) Spears, Providence, RI, Dale Spears, Topeka, KS; 11 grandchildren, Erica Spears, Lindsey Spears, Kara (John) Kirkpatrick, Stacy Symons, Becky Black, Tiffany Morrow, Timothy Morrow, Greg Morrow, Paige Spears, Clint Spears, Tucker Spears; 15 step-grandchildren, Chris Hildebrandt, Ashley (Ryan) Hird, Malissa Carey, Stevie Paugh, Walker Paugh, Preston Owen, Haden Owen, Noah Musgrove, Carson Musgrove, Jordan Hurst, Tara Brown, Savannah Brown, Olyvia Brown, Amy (Ben) Evans, Randi Daniels; 13 great–grandchildren and step grandchildren, Garrett Solcum, Hayden Spears, Peyton Symons, Taylor Black, Lakeleigh Lowry, Zachary Knight, Mackenzie Knight, Emma Hird, Clayton Evans, Bailey Evans, Ashlynn Evans, Cloey Evans, Abby Garcia, Madisyn Daniels; Aunt Noreen Hobbs, Ottawa, KS; and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents. SERVICES:Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2010, at Dengel & Son Mortuary in Ottawa. Family will gather and meet after the memorial service at the Eagles Lodge at 15th and Mulberry streets, Ottawa, Kan. for those who would like to join the family for further reminiscing and sharing stories. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to the Max Baer Heart Fund or any Eagles charity of the donor’s choice, in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net.