Obituary of Merlin Spears Jr.
Merlin Spears Jr.
of
Merlin “Bugs” Spears Jr., 83, of Neibert, formerly of Lorado, made his journey home on Saturday, June 15, 2019, leaving from his earthly home to settle in his Heavenly home, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born October 1, 1935, in
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Robert A. “Robbie” Spears; sisters, Doris Burks, Lorraine Leese, Elaine Foshee; and brother, Paul Spears.
Bugs was a Korean War veteran who served his country with pride and honor. After his tour of duty he came home and worked in the mines for Pittston Coal Company until he retired. Bugs was a member of the UMWA District 17. He met and married the love of his life in 1957 and they made their home in Lorado until the Buffalo Creek Disaster in 1972. They then settled in Neibert. Bugs enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his nephews and friends. He loved spending time with his family and friends.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Delores Hunter Spears; one daughter, Dianna Spears of South Point, OH; one grandson, Rudy “Two Shoes” Phillips II and wife, Danielle Thompson Phillips, of Largo, FL; one granddaughter, Brigette “One Sock” Duba, of South Point, OH; one great-grandson, Elias Zane Phillips; a daughter-in-law, Terrie Adkins of Neibert; two sisters, Lounice Jeffrey and her husband, Elmer “Jr.” Jeffrey, of Lundale and Shirley Thompson and her husband, Charles, of Ashland, KY; one brother, David M. Lanning and his wife, Agnes, of South Point, OH; a special nephew, Robert Shane Marcum and his wife, Shaa, of Neibert; a sister-in-law, Linda Moreland Hunter of Neibert; and many other nieces and nephews who he loved dearly along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Monday at the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at
A celebration of Bugs life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home with Rev. Eddie Isom officiating. Burial will follow in
Pall bearers will be Shane Marcum, Eddie Adkins, Terry Adkins, B.J. Adkins, Jr., Jason Plumley, and Steven Plumley.
Honorary pall bearer will be David Lanning.
Online condolences may be sent to www.krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at
In Loving Memory
Merlin Spears Jr.
1935 - 2019
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