Obituary of Jerry Lee Spears

Coffeyville - Jerry Lee Spears, 66, of Dearing, passed away Friday, March 30, 2012 at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center. He was born August 15, 1945 at Independence, KS to Florence Spears. Jerry grew up and attended school at Independence and Longton, graduating from Longton High School. Following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with an artillery division in the U.S. and Germany. While in Germany he served as a guard at the Berlin Wall. Following his discharge on March 25, 1965, he returned to Independence, later moving to the Coffeyville and Dearing area. On February 14, 1988 he married Karen Kay Sandbothe at Independence. Following their marriage they made their home in Dearing. Jerry was employed at Pressure Cast for 34 years and later at SEKTAM. Jerry enjoyed fishing, coin collecting, woodworking, welding and spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include his wife, Kay of the home; one daughter, Tina Battaglear of Coffeyville; one step daughter, Tonya Bays of Dearing; one step-son, Shane Bays of North Carolina; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A Memorial Service celebrating Jerry's life will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Fairview Cemetery's Veterans Memorial Patio conducted by V.F.W. Post #1022 and American Legion Post #20. Friends may sign the register book on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. Memorials are suggested to the Jerry Spears Memorial Fund; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.