Edward Francis Spears was born on September 4, 1935 in Skedee, Oklahoma to Marion Francis Spears and Leona Ellen (McDugle) Spears.

He graduated from Blackburn High School with the class of 1953 in Blackburn, Oklahoma.

Edward proudly served his country by entering into to the United States Army on May 20, 1958.  With the rank of Specialist E4, he was honorably discharged on May 19, 1960.

On June 27, 1972, Edward was united in marriage to Bonnie Deonna Allen in Wellington, Kansas.  The couple made their home in Harper, Kansas and were blessed with four children: Ronica Deon, Bobby Joe, Leona June, and Eddy Lee.

Upon his return from serving his country, Edward began driving semi-trucks.  When he decided to step away from driving trucks, he worked at the Danville Co-Op.  In 1974, Edward went to work for Elden Clements, taking care of the farm.  In 1993, Edward and family moved into town and he began working for Harper County as a Heavy Equipment Operator, grating the county roads.  Edward retired in 2010.

Edward had many interests.  He loved being around animals and went to horseshoeing school when he was younger.  He loved watching rodeos, especially bull riding.  Sports were a big part of his life.  He loved playing and watching baseball.  NASCAR, football, and the Little League World Series were some of his favorites.  Edward was an avid reader, westerns being first on his list.  Edward never met a stranger, loved telling stories, and loved to laugh.  He enjoyed being a part of the VFW.  He was very proud of all his children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them.

Edward passed away at his home in Harper on August 19, 2018 at the age of 82 years, 11 months, and 15 days.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Leona; his brother, Wesley Alonzo Spears; and his son, Bobby Joe Spears.  Edward is survived by his wife, Deonna of the home; children: Ronica Rhude and her husband, Randy of Platte City, Missouri, June Spears and her husband, Shwan Ali of Keller, Texas, Eddy Spears and his wife Vanessa of Wichita, Kansas, and daughter-in-law Cassie Spears of Mustang, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Gracey, Nicholas, Ryanne, and Miranda Rhude; Alan Ali; Nicole, Ely, Adrian, Ethan, and Aaron Spears; Owen, Avery, Isaac, and Evan Spears; sisters: Arneta Womack and Joyce Collins; mother-in-law: Lorine Allen; a multitude of relatives and friends.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Funeral Service is 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 24, 2018 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper.  Interment will follow at the Harper Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Harper VFW Post #11449 and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 613 W 14th ~ Harper, Kansas 67058 is in charge of the arrangements.