Kenneth E. "Ken" Spears

Funeral services for Kenneth E. "Ken" Spears, 87, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel in Lufkin. Mr. Spears' son-in-law, John Loor, will serve as Officiating Pastor, assisted by Pastor Rik Bailey. Graveside services will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Lufkin, officiated by Pastor Bob Beaty.

Mr. Spears was born October 16, 1925 in the Barsola Community, Cherokee County, Texas and was the eldest son of the late Ola Mae (Gentry) and John Edward Spears. He passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at his residence.

Devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, all knew him for his easy smile and wise counsel and he will be dearly missed. Mr. Spears was a retired college administrator and educator. He grew up in Southern Angelina County, graduated from Wells High School as a standout student and athlete and served honorably as a World War II veteran in the United State Navy. After his military service he returned to Houston and then, with his young family, moved to Tennessee to continue his education. He obtained his B.S. degree from Southern Adventist University and an MBA degree from Middle Tennessee State University and served 36 years at Southern Adventist University where he touched the lives of thousands of students, faculty and staff. As a public servant, he helped lead the development of the budding City of Collegedale, Tennessee, serving eight years as City Councilman and Vice Mayor and he served on numerous boards in that Collegedale community. He returned to East Texas after retirement, moving to Lufkin in 1996. He was very active in the Lufkin Seventh-day Adventist Church and served as Church Treasurer for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marilyn Joyce Cotham

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mildred Bates Spears of Lufkin; daughters, Susan and Karen of Vancouver, Washington and Orlando, Florida; son, Steve of Denver, Colorado; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren and honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne E. VandeVere Scholarship Fund at Southern Adventist University, P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, Tennessee 37315.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.