Orville Lee Spears

Orville Lee Spears, 85, of Gore, Oklahoma strode into Heaven on Monday March 16, 2020 free of Parkinson’s disease. His strong steady hands without tremor opened the gates. Orville was born on February 9, 1935 to Osval and Junie (Mannon) Spears in Gore, Oklahoma as the first of twelve children and ten that lived to adulthood. Being the eldest brother to his younger siblings was a role he cherished to the end. He met his wife of 58 years, Lahoma Hefley, of Webbers Falls on a blind date in 1961. They married on April 21, 1962 at Webbers Falls Assembly of God. They resided in Tulsa where Orville worked for Firestone as a front end mechanic until 1971. They then moved their family to the Gore/Webbers Falls area. They were blessed with 4 children in 5 ½ years: Denise, Leanne, Scott and Steve. Being a good father and provider for his family was the focus of his life. He worked six days a week at Firestone, built our home and his business, Orville’s Wheel Alignment, with his own hands, and provided his children with music lessons, sports, and education opportunities. He taught us to work hard and expected us to do our best in all activities. Orville lived his life with personal integrity and gentle strength. He was honest and generous in all areas of life, including his business where he always gave more than he received in compensation. He was the best example to his family and friends of a faithful man. Micah 6:8 “What does the LORD require of you but to act justly and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Orville loved the community of Gore and the surrounding areas, Gore Pirate sports, and OU football. He loved music, especially country and gospel music. He also loved to attend music shows and gospel singings. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He took his kids skating most Saturday nights and swimming in Lake Tenkiller on Sunday afternoons. He willingly gave all he had to his community, friends, and his family with love in his heart and a smile on his face. Making others happy made him happy. We would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Compassus Hospice, especially Michaela Capps, who gave loving compassionate care for the past 9 months. Orville died in the home he built with his own hands from 1972 – 1974 with U.S. savings bonds. He was surrounded in his final days with all of his family and the many friends that he loved dearly. Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Osval and Junie Spears; his beloved grandson, Steven Lee Spears; his brothers, Don Spears and Floyd Spears; and two infant sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lahoma (Hefley) Spears, who provided 24/7 care for the last 7 years; daughters, Dr. Denise Roddy of Bixby, and OHP Lt. Leanne Spears of Muskogee; sons, Scott Spears of NYC and Steve Spears of Gore; grandchildren, Grant Roddy and wife Allis of Owasso, Joey Spears and wife Tiffany of Vian, Kate Roddy of Chicago and Dalton Spears of Gore; great-granddaughters, Addysen Spears and soon expected Lakely Spears; great-grandson, Alex Santacruz all of Vian; siblings, Dorothy Rice and husband Wayne of Gore, Delbert Spears of Vian, Cathy Johnson of Gore, Linda Marlow and husband John of Webbers Falls, Betty Spencer of Gore, Gerald Spears and wife Carol of Webbers Falls, and Rick Spears and wife Jeannie of Gore; more than 30 nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Michael J. Fox foundation at: https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate in honor of Orville. Also the family suggested donations be made to the Gore Rural Fire Department. Due to the current crisis in our country Orville’s family will have a private family service. A public celebration of Orville’s life will arranged at a later date. Pallbearers will be his grandsons Grant Roddy, Joey Spears and Dalton Spears; his nephews, Brian Warren, Joe Spears and Heath Spears. Honorary pallbearers Howard Doolin, Wayne Sloan, Steve Conrad, Bob Neely, Jerry Priddy, Troy Bell, Don Carter and The Gore Rural Fire Department.

Orville Lee Spears

February 9, 1935 - March 16, 2020