Eddie Richard Spears, age 75, of Strafford, Missouri, passed away March 7th, 2022 in his home due to natural causes. Richard was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi to Edward Junior Spears and Willie Jean (Dunigan) Spears on February 1st, 1947. Richard spent his childhood in York, Alabama. He enjoyed racing cars and was Elvis Presley’s biggest fan.
After graduating in 1966 from Sumpter County High School, Richard went to work for Frisco Railroad. In 1970, he was elected General Chairman for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWE) and moved his family to Springfield, MO.
Over the next 41 years, he climbed the ladder and became the National Vice President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes. He always said his greatest accomplishment was working for the working people.
After retirement, Richard enjoyed spending time taking care of his farm, raising horses and fishing with his family and friends.
Richard was proceeded in death by his wife Willa Jean Spears, his father Edward Spears, and his grandson Landon Potts.
He was survived by his mother, Jean Spears, sister Sandra Crow (Larry), daughters Shelley Spears (TK), Sherry Potts (Chance), Stacy Spears, (their mother, Diane Ward), Angie Spears Clark, stepson Johnny Schmidt, six grandchildren Tanner Kroutil (Katie), Reid Potts, Chloee Kroutil, Alissa Clark, Cross Potts, Lydia Schmidt, great-grandson Cooper Kroutil, nephew Kenny Crow (Valerie), niece Sandy Toth (Justin), great nieces Mary Catherine, Anna Leigh, Caroline, great nephew Scott, and many more friends who loved him.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 17, 2022 from 6:00pm-8:00pm with service following on Friday, March 18, 2022 at 1:00pm, both at Greenlawn Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at Delaware Cemetery in Nixa, MO following funeral.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.