William Spear

William David Spear

"Dave"

Age 74 of Goose Lake, passed away Monday morning, April 16, 2007 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Blue Island.

Born December 10, 1932 in Morris, Dave was a son of the late Charles Perkins and Mary E. (Graham) Spear. He was raised and educated in Morris and was a graduate of Morris Community High School with the Class of 1950. On October 10, 1956 Dave married Irma "Rose" Burstlein in Germany and together they lived most of their married life in Grundy County. Dave was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet, where he retired after nearly 20 years of service. He was a member of the Morris Moose Lodge and the Morris VFW. Dave was a life member of the Masons Cedar Lodge #124, where he earned 32nd degree and he belonged to the First United Methodist Church of Morris.

Survivors include four children: Stan Spear of South Dakota, Bill (Peg) Spear of Morris, George Spear of Mokena and Heidi (Mark) Tarman of Michigan. Four grandchildren: David Allen Spear, C.J. Spear, Stephanie Spear and Joshua Tarman. One brother Steve (Jerri) Spear of Woodstock; several brothers and sisters-in-law in Germany and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, son Steven in October 1982, wife Rose in July 1990 and one brother Robert in May of 1996.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday April 18, 2007 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 E. Washington Street (one block East of Illinois Route 47) in Morris. Funeral services will follow on Thursday April 19th at 10:00AM in the funeral home and burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Stan Spear, Bill Spear, George Spear, Steve Anderson, Dick Carowther, Jr. and Rob Gibbons.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Dave's memory to the Coal City Fireman's Association, 35 South DeWitt Place, Coal City, Illinois 60416

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris.