Robert M. Spear

Robert M. Spear, 77, passed away on Tuesday, April 10, 2007, at St. Mary's Medical Center.

While the entire mental health care community in Indiana will mourn Bob's passing, none will miss him as much as Nancy Spear, his wife for more than 50 years, and his sons, Rob, Jim and Tom. Bob Spear, a native of Terre Haute, Ind., was educated at Indiana State University, where he received bachelor's degrees in English and mathematics and a master's degree in counseling. He also received advanced math training at Purdue University and training in vocational administration at Indiana State University. He attended National Graduate University to study grant negotiation and administration and Tulane University to study mental health administration.

He was granted the status of Certified Mental Health Administrator by the Association of Mental Health Administrators. Bob served as the Executive Director of the Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Center. He was actively involved in the early development of the community mental health system in Indiana where he shared his valued experience, leadership and vision. During his 20+ years of service, Bob assisted in shaping the future directions of community mental health for the state of Indiana. He served with distinction on the Governor's Council for Mental Health Planning, Commission on Community Residential Facilities and Commission on Directions in Mental Health. He was also a member of the Southern Indiana Health Systems Agency, and served as president on both the Southwestern Indiana District Council and the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers. Bob was on the board of the Vanderburgh County Mental Health Association and the Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Foundation Board. He was chairman of the Legislative Committee of the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers and chairman of the State of Indiana on the National Council of Community Mental Health Centers. He also served as a member of Welborn Hospital's Institutional Review Board and numerous planning committees on the state and local levels. Robert Spear's commitment to his center and the patients it serves, his staff, the local community and the state was exceptional.

Governor Orr recognized the importance of Spear's contributions and commitment by awarding him the Sagamore of the Wabash. He was also awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Governor Bayh. He was recognized as a Distinguished Hoosier by Governor Orr and was the recipient of a gubernatorial commendation by Governor Bowen. For his service to the state, he was presented the Charles E. Bosma Award by the State of Indiana and the Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers. Upon retiring, Spear was presented with the Don Kinzer Award by the Indiana Council. Bob retired from the Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Center in 1989 and enjoyed many years of fishing, traveling and spending time with his family.

He returned to the workforce in December 2003 to serve as superintendent of Evansville State Hospital, a position he held until he, once again, retired in December 2006. Those in the mental health field are indebted to this man for his energy, foresight, generosity and willingness to share in guiding a better community response for the citizens of Indiana affected by mental illness.

To honor Bob's dedication and leadership, the Mental Health Center at 415 Mulberry was named the Robert M. Spear Building. Mr. Spear was also a pioneer in educational TV in Southwestern Indiana. In 1958, the public schools in Southwestern Indiana in conjunction with the Ford Foundation began an educational television program. Mr. Spear was chosen to teach geometry in this new and innovative program. After three years, he switched to ninth grade English and for the next eight years, taught English and Literature to 4000/5000 students daily via public television on Channel 7. Mr. Spear, likewise, was a pioneer in a new and innovative apprentice training program for the Evansville- Vanderburgh School Corp. In 1964, Mr. Spear was asked by the School Corporation to develop a new apprentice program which would be both academic and work-related in content.

Later that year, West Heights Building Trades School opened its doors, being supported by the School Corporation, the Associated General Contractors and many Building Trades Unions: Carpenters, Roofers, Painters, Iron Workers, Millwrights and Bricklayers. This was one of the very few programs in the country to offer joint apprentice training to such a diversified group with the unprecedented support of the school system, the contractors and the labor unions.

Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy (Conrad) Spear; sons, Robert and his wife Linda, Jim and Tom, all of Evansville; sisters, Sue Root Felbleman of Beverly Hills, Calif., and Rosemary Voges of Ormond Beach, Fla. Also surviving are grandchildren, Casey, Jamey, Sally and Andrew; and great-grandchild, Rylie; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services will be at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 16, with Father Raymond Kuper and Father Bernard Etienne officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at Holy Rosary's Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southwestern Indiana Mental Health Center, 415 Mulberry St., Evansville, IN 47713.

Condolences may be made to the family online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com.