Robert Spear

Robert “Bob” A. Spear, 78, of St. Joseph, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Hanson Hospice Center – Stevensville.   A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 12 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor David Colp officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bob was born on September 11, 1939, in Benton Harbor to Lowell & Mable (Jefferis) Spear. After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Marines and proudly served our country from 1957-1959. Once home, he began working at Bendix in various departments. He also worked for and eventually retired from Honeywell, as a shipping and receiving supervisor. On May 25, 1986, Bob married the love of this life, Patricia “Pat” Masterson (Burns), in St. Joseph. Bob loved being outdoors; he enjoyed hunting small game, especially pheasants, with Widget, his Brittany spaniel. He took great pride in teaching his boys how to fish and going on fishing trips. He was a fan of watching college football and cheering for the University of Michigan. Most of all, Bob loved his family; he had a special place in his heart for their only daughter, Lisa. Bob was a quick witted man with a heart of gold. His kindness and humor will be missed dearly by all who knew him.  Bob is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Pat; children, Brian (Debby) Spear of Eau Clair, Michael (Chris) Spear of St. Joseph, Jeff (Karen Kiernan) Spear of Galien, and Daniel (Fiancé, Charla Bisbo) Spear of Benton Harbor; step-children, Lisa (Keith) Overholser, David Burns, both of Granger, and John Burns of St. Joseph; 14 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Carol Spear-Marshall and Arthur (Edna) Spear.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell & Mable.