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SPEARS Wade Henry Spears, Jr., passed away October 18, 2009 at the age of 86 in Rockport, Texas. He was born in Wilson County, Texas on January 30, 1923, to Wade Spears, Sr. and Mary Hayes Spears. Wade was preceded in death by his parents, Eunice, his wife of 52 years, sisters, Elizabeth Byrd, Nancy Young, and brother Bud. He is survived by his sisters Gladys Risinger of Dallas, Mary Jane Jackson of Houston, son Shelton Spears Cathy of San Antonio, grandson Brian Spears Rebecca and great granddaughter Kelsie of Dublin, California, daughter Carol Spears Barrows Davidof Rockport, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In many ways, Wade's life chronicled the history of our nation. He was delivered by Dr. Ella Ware, one of the first female physicians in Texas. Both of Wade's grandfathers were Civil War veterans and both his father's family and mother's family migrated to Texas in wagons pulled by mules. One of Wade's fondest memories was of the family piling into the Model T and going to Brackenridge Park in San Antonio for a 4th of July celebration at the age of six. Life soon became much more difficult due to the Great Depression. Wade saw his father plow under his cotton crop, while neighbors shot their cattle and hogs due to overproduction, resulting in little or no profit. As a young boy, his chores consisted of wood cutting, milking cows, and feeding the hogs. When he grew older, he plowed cotton, picked cotton in July and August, and helped weigh the bales. To get to school, he either walked four miles or rode the family mare, Daisy. After graduating from Stockdale High School, Wade moved to San Antonio where he joined the National Youth Administration Training taking courses in the theory of flight and aircraft engine mechanics. He was soon hired at Duncan Field later named Kelly AFB as an aircraft mechanic where he worked on B-17 bomber engines both before and after the Pearl Harbor Attack. In 1942, Wade received his draft notice and although he could have taken a deferment since he was working in an essential war industry, he chose to enlist like most young men at the time. After basic training, he was sent overseas from New York Harbor aboard the HMS Queen Mary on June 3, 1943. He arrived in Scotland as part of the Fighting 86th Depot Repair Squadron. He later went on to Bedford, England; Greencastle, North Ireland; Belfast, Ireland; and Warrington, England. During this time, he worked on B-17's and P-47 Thunderbolts. At one time, he worked on three C-47's for General Eisenhower's use. After D-Day, Sgt. Spears was moved to continental Europe. He was in Belgium when the Germans launched their desperate counter-offensive which precipitated the Battle of the Bulge. He later served as part of the occupational troops in Germany until the end of 1945. On his way home from Germany, his group of soldiers rode the same box cars that American troops rode during World War I. Wade arrived home January 1946 in Brooklyn Harbor. Years later, one of the most poignant stories Wade told about the war was the day a young pilot going on a mission was unable to start his engine. Wade immediately jumped up and proudly fixed the problem. The pilot waved his thanks and flew off only to be lost during the mission. In 1948, Sgt. Spears became an Air Technician with the 182nd Fighter Squadron at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio. When the unit was recalled in 1950, he went to Korea as an aircraft maintenance technician. After Korea, he returned to civilian life and the 149th Fighter Unit of the Air National Guard stationed at Kelly AFB. He remained in that 149th until his retirement in 1978. Upon retirement, Wade and his wife made Rockport, Texas their home. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff who took care of him during his final days, with special thanks given to his caretakers at Gulf Pointe Village, Oak Crest Nursing Center, and Harbor Hospice. Services Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park South, with honorary services provided by Masonic Lodge 151 of San Antonio. For personal acknowledgment you may sign the guest book at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section.

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Wade H. Spears, Jr.

January 30, 1923 - October 19, 2009