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Clark O'Neal Funeral Home Inc. - South Bend CLOSED

2702 Lincoln Way West

South Bend, Indiana

Ben Spears Obituary

June 15, 1934 - Jan. 5, 2011
SOUTH BEND - Ben A. Spears, 76, of North Johnson Street, South Bend, passed away January 5, 2011. Ben A. Spears was born June 15, 1934, to the union of Edward Spears and Annie Mae Nelson. Ben retired from being an iron worker with Local 292, a job that brought him much joy. Ben had a love for fishing, which was one of his favorite pastimes. Ben was a delightful man who brought joy and laughter to whomever he was around. Ben was preceded in death by his mother, Annie Mae Nelson; father, Edward Spears; two brothers, George Edward Spears and William Whitmore; two sisters, Lorraine Smith and Annie Mae Whitmore. To cherish his memory he leaves behind a loving sister, Shirley Thomas of South Bend; nine children, Ben Spears Jr. of South Bend, Curtis (Lubertha) Spears of Peoria, IL, Kathy Spears Tribett of South Bend, and Tracey (Robert) Taylor, also of South Bend, (conceived in his union to Catherine Thompson, who also preceded him in death), Arby Allen Mitchell of Texas and Terry Reese of Niles, MI (from the union of Ben and Barbara Reese), Erica Gilliam of South Bend, April Cleveland of South Bend and Jackie Spears of Texas (from the union of Ben and Jimmie Spears). Ben also leaves behind a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ben will be dearly missed and it gives the family great joy to know that heaven has received such a remarkable soul. Funeral services for Mr. Spears will be Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, in the Clark-O'Neal Funeral Home, 2702 Lincoln Way West, South Bend, IN. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with funeral following at 12 noon. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery. Visit www.clarkoneal.com.

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

Published by South Bend Tribune from Jan. 12 to Jan. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ben Spears

Not sure what to say?





Willie Taylor

January 28, 2011

Ben, Curtis, Tracey, and Kathy,

I just heard about your father. I am praying for you. I will let your family and friends here in Houston know about Mr. Ben's passing.

January 18, 2011

Ben Jr., Curtis, Kathy, and Tracey.
My God's loving hand continue to hold and comfort you during the lost of your father: Ben Sr. I remember your father with fond memories as a child and young adult. May God Bless you all.
Debra A. Davis-Wright

Sandy Scott

January 17, 2011

Ben,
You will live in my heart everyday,you were truely a kind ,honest,strong and giving man.You were like a father to Pookie ,she also loved you dearly.I know you are at peace and watching over all those you held close to your heart.

JOYCE FORSHEE/WHITE

January 15, 2011

TO THE FAMILY MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS TIME OF BEREAVEMENT I WILL TRULY BEN MY DADS BROTHER I'M GONNA MISS HIM PASSING MY HOUSE GOING AND COMING FROM DIALYSIS HE WOULD ALWAYS STOP OR BLOW HIS HORN LOVE YOUR NEICEY POOH JOYCE.

RAMONA FORSHEE

January 15, 2011

MAY GOD BLESS MY COUSINS KATHY BEN CURTIS AND TRACEY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW UNCLE BEN IS IN A BETTER PLACE JUST REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES AND YEARS THAT YOU ALL HAD HIM

ERICA GILLIAM

January 14, 2011

HELLO FATHER, I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU DEARLY, AND YOU WILL STAY IN MY HEART ALWAYS!!! I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ALL THE TIME WE SPENT TOGETHER, AND WILL NOT LET NO ONE STEAL MY JOY! I MISS U SO MUCH! I HOPE THEY HAVE A SUNRISE CAFE UP THERE!!! UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN FATHER I LOVE U ALWAYS, *YOUR BABY GIRL ERICA GILLIAM*

Sheila King-Martinez

January 13, 2011

Uncle Ben was a great, loving man and he will be greatly missed.

Sylvia Shelton

January 13, 2011

Shirley, Tracy, and Ben and Family
God Bless You.Keep his smile in your hearts, and know how much you are loved

Lynn K

January 13, 2011

I only had the pleasure of meeting Ben a few brief times, but he made a lasting impression. He was truly a kind, caring, wonderfully happy man who spread smiles no matter what the situation. If there were more people like Ben, this world would be a much better place! God bless Ben and his family. He will be missed.

Charles Brian Thomas

January 12, 2011

Shirley and family members, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Think of all the wonderful times shared. God bless.

FRANK MURPHY

January 12, 2011

BEN JR, CURTIS, TRACEY, AND KATHY, TRUST THE PAST TO GOD'S MERCY, THE PRESENT TO GOD'S LOVE, AND THE FUTURE TO GOD'S PROVIDENCE. KEEP THE TEACHING OF YOUR FATHER IN YOUR HEART FOREVER.

Herb, Kim, and Jamaal Henley

January 12, 2011

He is truly going to be missed, he was funny, sincere, and loved to laugh. He taught Jamaal how to tie his shoes when he was first learning. We are sorry for the families lost and we pray that God will keep you in comfort during your lost.

Tia Spears

January 12, 2011

You were loved very much... My mother used to tell me some of nicest things about you.. You were the one who taught me how to crawl... I love you and miss you.. Your granddaughter

Yolanda Stahl

January 12, 2011

Through love and laughter, Ben will always live in our hearts

Pam Shabazz

January 12, 2011

Ben, Curtis, Tracey, and Kathy,

Our Heartfelt condolences to you all on the loss of your father. May your memories bring you comfort. The Shabazz and Parker familiyy

APRIL CLEVELAND

January 11, 2011

FATHER , U WENT AWAY SO FAST GLAD WE HAD THE CHANCE TO BECOME CLOSER . I LOVE AND WILL MISS U DEARLY

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Clark O'Neal Funeral Home Inc. - South Bend CLOSED

2702 Lincoln Way West , South Bend, IN 46628

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