Russell Spears

Russell Spears, 88, Farmington, Arkansas, died September 16, 2015, of natural causes. He was surrounded by family and close friends at his passing. Russell, the son of Dick and Garcie (Randolph) Spears, was born November 5, 1926 in the Trident/Norwood community near Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Russell married Wanda Mae Londagin Spears on May 21, 1950. He was a WWII Army veteran after graduating from Siloam Springs High School in 1945. After his service in the Army he returned to Siloam Springs and began working for the Pet Milk Co. until its closure in 1973. In 1974 he moved his family to Farmington and was employed at the University of Arkansas for 19 years as a Stationary Engineer (boiler operator) until his retirement in 1992. He is preceded in death his parents and brother, Wilbur Spears and sister in law Edna Spears. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, and three sons Ricky Dee Spears and partner Robert (Rob) Purdy of New York City, New York, Randal Jay Spears of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Kendall Dean Spears and wife Linda, Farmington, Arkansas and their sons, Evin Spears of Farmington, Arkansas and Hayden Spears and wife Kristin of Fort Worth, Texas. Funeral services will be 3 p.m., Saturday, September 19, 2015, at Farmington Baptist Church, Farmington, Arkansas where he was a charter member. Rev. Preston Beeks will be officiating. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2015 at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. A private family burial will be held at Fayetteville National Cemetery, Fayetteville, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Farmington Baptist Church, P.O. Box 847, Farmington, Arkansas 72730, Senior Activity Wellness Center, 340 West Main St, Farmington, Arkansas, 72730, Washington Regional Hospice, 325 E. Longview St, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703 or Life Source International Inc., 600 S. School Ave., Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701.