Jackie L. Spears, age 74 of Troy, IL, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.
He was born on Sunday, December 16, 1951, in East St. Louis, IL, the son of Robert and Mary (nee Clark) Spears.
On Saturday, April 11, 1981, he married Deborah Mae Spears, nee Meyer at St. Jacob UCC, St. Jacob, IL, who survives.
Jackie was born in East St. Louis, Illinois. He attended East St. Louis High School and was drafted in the US Army. After his marriage to Deb, they moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and lived there for 18 years before moving back to Illinois. Jackie drove a semi-truck independently and then drove for Liebovich Steel & Aluminum out of Bridgeton, Missouri until he retired in 2018. He was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ.
Jackie enjoyed fishing, playing guitar and listening to Motown music. He loved being with his family, especially the grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and granddogs.
Survivors include:
- Wife – Deborah Mae Spears, Meyer, Troy, IL
- Son – Robert Lee (Tara) Spears, Wilburton, OK
- Son – Craig Spears, Indianapolis, IN
- Son – Brandon (Fiancée-Katryna Nieto) Spears, Lemoore, CA
- Son – Kat Spears, Fairview Heights, IL
- Grandchildren – Brookelynn, Britton, Bracen, Legacy, Legend & Love
- Sister – Linda Spears-Peters, Caseyville, IL
- Brother – Ronnie Spears, Collinsville, IL
- Sister-In-Law – Cindy (Dennis) Korte, Pocahontas, IL
- Sister-In-Law – Sue (Joe) Lanahan, Sunrise Beach, MO
- Brother-In-Law – Cornell (Charla) Meyer, Waterloo, IL
- Sister-In-Law – Michelle (Carl) Meyer-Beharend, Portland, OR
He was preceded in death by:
- Father – Robert Lee Spears
- Mother – Mary Spears, nee Clark
- Brother-In-Law – George Chance
- Brother – Charles Stovall
- Sister – Brenda Wolf
- Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law – Clinton & Una Mae (nee Henss) Meyer
- Brother-In-Law – Kevin Meyer
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Friedens United Church of Christ in Troy, IL.
Memorial Service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Friedens United Church of Christ in Troy, IL, with Rev. Timothy Harrison, Pastor, Friedens United Church of Christ, officiating.
Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO, at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Friedens United Church of Christ or Fischer House (VA – Jefferson Barracks).
