Kenneth Ray Spears

Kenneth Ray Spears was born on September 16, 1941 in Whitefield Oklahoma. He passed away on July 23rd at his home surrounded by his family. He graduated Stigler High School in 1959 and went on to join the United States Air Force. While serving in the US Air Force he distinguished himself by being awarded several citations and commendations including the prestigious Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious achievement while participating in Aerial Flight. He received the Air Medal for flying search and rescue missions over North Vietnam in unarmed aircraft over heavily defended hostile territory locating downed US fighter pilots. He received his first Oak Leaf Cluster while participating in the successful recovery of the Gemini 8 Spacecraft in which he received a personal letter of appreciation and congratulations from the Command Pilot, NASA Astronaut Neil Armstrong. He received the second and third Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious achievements while participating in Aerial Flight. After leaving the Air Force he returned home to attend Connors State College and Oklahoma State University. Deciding to not continue as an accountant he instead began a successful career as a plumber in Muskogee and Haskell County. The years before he retired, he worked as a gifted barber in Eufaula and Stigler. Kenneth was preceded in death by an infant son, Clyden Scott Spears, a daughter Jodi Lynn Spears, his parents Homer and Pat Spears, his grandparents Burien and Bertha Wilcox, and Burley and Lena Spears. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty-nine years, Coleta of the home. His daughters, Rachel Humphreys and husband Dan of Watonga, Okla. Miranda Fann of Stigler, Okla. His grandchildren, KC Pereira and wife Melody of Wister, Okla., Caleb Humphreys and wife Kendra of Watonga, Okla., Corey Stephen Spears of Eveleth, Minnesota, Sarah Nelson and husband Hunter of Piedmont, Okla., Gavin Fann and his wife Janel, Jake, Timothy, David, Addie, Chloe, Liam, Nathaniel, and Sofie Fann and eleven great-grandchildren. His sisters Mary Quick and husband Ronnie, Martha Alverson and husband Tom, and his brother Gary Spears and wife Virginia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Kenneth was proud of his Choctaw Heritage and being recognized as a Choctaw Veteran of the United States Air Force. Kenneth loved to play his guitar and sing gospel songs with his friends. He was a faithful member of Enterprise Baptist Church and served as church treasurer for over twenty years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Funeral Service will be held at Enterprise Baptist Church on July 27th, 2026 at 2:00 PM. with Reverend Willard Francis officiating. Burial to follow at Whitefield Cemetery with full Military Honors conducted by the Choctaw Nation Veterans Honor Guard. Pallbearers; Gary Spears, Ronnie Quick, Tom Alverson, Charles Hare, Steven Quick, and Ty Strain. Honorary Pallbearers; his grandsons, Claude Curtsinger, Ted Spears, Max Thompson, Bill Wright, and The Fish Creek Church Singers.

Kenneth Ray Spears

September 16, 1941 - July 23, 2026