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Reverend Monsignor Edward F. Spiers

Edward Spiers Obituary

SPIERS Reverend Monsignor Edward F. Spiers, died on Monday, May 12, 2008, at Mt. Carmel East Hospital. Monsignor Spiers was born in Columbus, Ohio, on June 16, 1914. He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Lillian Spiers and brothers Lawrence Jr., Emmett J. and W. Albert Spiers. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Dorothy Becher of Bonita Springs, Florida; 15 nieces and nephews. He graduated from St. Charles Preparatory School (1931), St. Charles College seminary, and St. Mary major seminary, Norwood, Ohio. Monsignor Spiers was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Columbus on March 4, 1939 at St. Joseph Cathedral by Bishop James J. Hartley. He subsequently obtained an M.A. in Mathematics/Education in 1945 from Catholic University of America and Ph.D. in School Administration in 1950 from The Ohio State University. In 1954, he was named a monsignor when the Holy Father Pius XII bestowed upon him the title of Papal Chamberlain. His assignments included teaching at St. Charles Preparatory School and St. Charles College 1939 to 1954, during which time he also served providing weekend pastoral assistance at St. Aloysius, St. Augustine, St. Thomas the Apostle, Sacred Heart and St. Therese Shrine. He was appointed the first principal of Bishop Watterson High School, where he served in this capacity from 1954 until 1971; during this time he also served as the first principal of Bishop Hartley High School from 1957 to 1959. After participating in an Education Research program at Notre Dame University, he served in the Office of Educational Planning of Catholic University of America from 1972 until 1984 when he retired from active ministry. During his retirement in North Carolina, he assisted the Chaplain at Ft. Bragg, N.C. In addition, Monsignor served on several diocesan boards and commissions. Calling hours will be Wednesday 2-4 p.m. at the EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. BROAD ST. Monsignor's body will be received Wednesday 6 p.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St., where friends may call Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. and Thursday from 9-11 a.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be Thursday 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St. Bishop Frederick F. Campbell will be the principal celebrant and Monsignor Kenneth F. Grimes. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Msgr. Edward Spiers Endowment Fund for Bishop Watterson Tuition Assistance, c/o the Catholic Foundation, 1071 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43206. Visit www.egan-ryan.com for condolences. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from May 13 to May 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Spiers

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Sister Agnes Cousins

May 19, 2008

Dear Family of Rev. Monsignor Ed Spiers,
Father was a dear freind of my great uncle and spent considerable time explaining to my family what kind of person my great uncle was when he lived on earth.
I would like to say the same about your Father Ed--goodness--inside and out. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sister Agnes Cousins

John Breech

May 15, 2008

Thank you Father for all during my time at The Bishop Watterson High School. It takes a long time to realize what we were given back then because of you. Thank you.

Jeanne & Ed Karath

May 15, 2008

Although we left Columbus in 1965, we have always fondly remembered Watterson and Msgr. Spiers. Our children, Kathleen, Father Bill, and Tom, enjoyed their years under Msgr.'s leadership. He will be in our prayers.

Ann Finn '77

May 15, 2008

My deepest sympathies to Msgr. Spires family, friends and our Bishop Watterson community. Msgr. Spires was an avid supporter of BWHS in many ways until his death. May perpetual light shine upon him; may he rest in peace and have eternal life.

Patricia Laughman

May 15, 2008

The Serra Club of Knox/Licking Deanery expresses sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Fr. Spiers. May Our Lord and His Mother comfort you during this difficult time.

Our Serra Club for Vocations has a new program called "Adopt A Priest" and a pin with Fr. Spiers initials and date of Ordination will be arriving with our first shipment of pins. He was to be adopted in prayer by a person in our deanery. I would like for a member of his family, his sister to wear his pin as a gift from Serra Club. Family may contact me at 1-740-763-3645 or e-mail if you wish to have his pin. I will need a name and address to send the pin to.

May God Bless you,
Patricia Laughman, President
Knox/Licking Serra Club

Sherry Kitchton Popovic

May 15, 2008

An eerie coincidence...out of the blue the other day popped into my head: What IS 'Uncle Eddie's' last name? Spiers bubbled up out of some dusty corner of my memory. Deepest sympathy to the Yoakem family, all of whom I remember fondly...especially Grandma Lillian Spiers.

Robert & Brandi Hartwell

May 15, 2008

Our deepest sympathy to the Spiers family.

Al Lupidi

May 15, 2008

There are many thousands of succsessful people out there who can thank the GOOD MONSIGNOR SPIERS, for his early guidance to a meaningful adulthood.
REST IN PEACE, MY FRIEND-----

Rita Del Greco - Kreuzer

May 14, 2008

Our sympathy to your family.
I was in the first graduating class at BWHS. I remember him always having a smile on his face.

Mary Ann (McGovern) Rich

May 14, 2008

Watterson was my first teaching assignment (through the '60's) when I was Sr. Antonia, O.P. I remember Monsignor Spires well and am pray ing for him and his family. May God receive his soul into everlasting life.

Maryellen O'Shaughnessy

May 14, 2008

The Watterson legacy began with him. Msgr. Spiers, may the angels lead you to Paradise --- Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, Watterson class of 1968

Mary Kathryn Cain Nesser

May 14, 2008

Monsignor Spires the nephew of my graddmother Elizabeth (Spiers)Cain &
Cousin of my father Henry M. Cain. He gave ne a indian head penny when I was abuut 5 or 6. I stoped tp see him at St Therese's several years ago & we had quite a nice visit.I still have the penny he gave me.

Patricia Lanker

May 14, 2008

Our sincere condolences and prayers. The Barnhart sisters -Martha (1959), Alice (1960), Patty (1961) and Norma (1964) who graduated from Bishop Watterson

Karen O'Neill And Dietary Staff The Villa At Saint Therese

May 14, 2008

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

The Families and Staff of Egan-Ryan Funeral Home

May 14, 2008

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Dr. Galen Davis

May 13, 2008

Sending Our Deepest Sympathy,
Dr. Davis, Joyce & Susan

Nancy Griffin

May 13, 2008

I did not know Msgr. Spiers personally, but two of my daughters were recepients of the prestegious Msgr Spires Community Service award at Watterson. This award has helped them achieve goals within Watterson and in admission to their respective universities. Thanks to Msgr Spiers for his dedication to the Watterson community. I will keep all of your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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Funeral services provided by:

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