Ottis Lavon Spears

My father passed away and will be laid to rest March 19, 2022. His name is Ottis "LaVon" Spears. He lived from 10/2/1925 - 3/3/2022.

My father was a U.S. Marine and WWII Veteran. He was an enlisted aviation mechanic and helped keep those planes in the air. He will be buried with full military honors and a 21-gun salute. This will be special for me because I served on funeral details during my four years in the Air Force. (I started out on the rifle squad, and later became the person folding the flag that was draped over the fallen soldier's casket and then given to the widow or closest family member.)

My father lived to be 96 years old. He had six children of his own plus stepchildren from his second and third marriage. He outlived his last two wives and is survived by my mom (who was the mother of his children). They stayed close over the years, and she even made him dinner the week before he passed. His five living kids, stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and my mom will all attend his funeral service.

As difficult as it is to lose a parent, I choose to celebrate my dad's 96 years on earth. He was kind, honest, and one of the wisest men I've ever known. I remember when I was 17, he gave my 18-year-old friend and his pregnant girlfriend a car because they couldn't afford one. The man would literally give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it.

My dad was a Christian, so I believe he's smiling down from heaven now. He was loved and will be remembered for the kind and caring man he was. And he will be sorely missed.

Signed,

His loving son - David Spears