Dr. Charles Spears

<p class="p1">Dr. Charles Spears, 75, of Carbondale, died at 12:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, at Parkway Manor in Marion.</p><p class="p1">He was born on Dec. 19, 1939, in Cassville, Missouri, the son of Dr. Charles A. and Mary Turner Spears.</p><p class="p1">Dr. Spears was a 1966 graduate of the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced briefly in Metropolis before opening a practice in Marion and shortly after he then moved to Carbondale, where he opened Spears Veterinary Clinic, operating until 1996. In 1986, he survived a fall causing a broken neck and permanent spinal cord injury and still continued to practice.</p><p class="p1">Dr. Spears was an avid fox hunter and was involved with Wolf Creek Hounds and SIOH (Southern Illinois Open Hunt).</p><p class="p1">His family said that for the past 14 years, he happily resided in Parkway Manor, where he received excellent care.</p><p class="p1">He is survived by his daughter, Amy (Todd) Smith of Anna; grandsons Travis and Wyatt Smith of Anna; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Cole; a brother, John H. (Linda) Spears; nieces, nephews and other relatives.</p><p class="p1">Dr. Spears was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph W. Spears; and a brother-in-law, Robert Cole.</p><p class="p1">Graveside services were at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Camp Ground Cemetery near Anna, with Pastor Doug Atkins officiating.</p><p class="p1">Memorials can be made to St. Francis CARE.</p><p class="p1">To leave online condolences, visit www.crainsonline.com.</p><p class="p1">Crain Funeral Home Egyptian Chapel in Energy was in charge of arrangements.</p>

Dr. Charles Spears