John Robert Spears

1936 - 2024

John Robert Spears

7/21/1936 - 1/2/2024

John Robert Spears, 87, of Sylvania, OH passed away on January 2, 2024 at Charter Senior Living of Oak Openings. He was born on July 21, 1936, in Toledo, OH, to Robert L. and Helen E. (Szymanski) Spears.

John was a proud Army veteran and played baseball for the troops while stationed in Germany, to keep up morale. John was also an avid golfer. He spent his career as a salesperson for the paper industry and he was very good at it. He loved to pass along his expertise to other salespeople. Previously, John proudly served as a Commander and also as a Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. John loved to smile and will be remembered by his family and friends for always trying to make people happy.

John is survived by his wife, Barbara Spears; daughter, Kendra (Jay) Lewis; step children, Antoinette (Keith) Gilders, Robert (Bernadette) Seymour, Deanna (Jason) Truitt, and Gene (Heather) Skibinski; 6 grandchildren and their families; siblings Tom (Marilyn) Spears and Sister Helen Frances Spears OFS. He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Suzanne Spears.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623 (419-841-2422). A Knights of Columbus Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. followed by recitation of the rosary. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 11 a.m. in Little Flower Catholic Church, 5522 Dorr St, Toledo, OH 43615. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Charter Senior Living, MemoryLane Care Services and Alexis Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania or to MemoryLane Care Services of Toledo. Condolences can be shared at

walkerfuneralhomes.com