John 'Jack' Ernest Spear

John "Jack" Ernest Spear, 81, of Cape Coral, Fla., passed away on Sunday February 11, 2024.

Jack was born in Vernon, Texas, in 1942 and was raised in Elkhart, Kan. He spent his high school years in Thermopolis, Wyo., where he attended Hot Springs County High School – class of 1960. With a full scholarship, Jack graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering from Tulane University where he was on the varsity swimming team for 4 years. He was proud and honored to serve in the United States Army as Chief of Engineers (ESSG) and was honorably discharged in 1968. Jack studied Theology and German at the University of Vienna, Austria and later studied Theology and earned his Master's degree at GTU in Berkeley, Calif., – class of 1972. He worked primarily as a Senior Estimator in the field of environmental cleanup and large civil projects. Jack lived and worked in Louisiana and in 1987 moved with his family to New Jersey. In about 2010, he moved to the Poconos area in Pa. In 2022 Jack retired and moved to Cape Coral, Fla., to live near most of his daughters and grandchildren. Jack gave his life to God and was devoted to his faith throughout his life. Friends, family and co-workers knew Jack as a smart, giving, loving, joking, story-telling man. He had a true love for reading, writing and studying history. His greatest love and especially at the end of his life was time spent with his daughters and grandchildren. He savored every minute with his family.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Melanie Spear, Christy (Matt) Koller and Elizabeth Spear Beltz; siblings, Scott (Ruth) Spear, Gene (Laurie) Spear and Marilyn Spear (Benny) Fort; grandchildren, Austin Walker, Christian (Kate) Koller and Savannah Koller, Ariana and Calvin; along with his many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass for Jack will be on Saturday, March 9 at St Andrews Catholic Church in Cape Coral, Fla., at 11 a.m. We will honor and celebrate his life at his burial at the Sarasota National Cemetery on Monday March 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Please visit Tribute for John Ernest Spear | Fuller Metz Cremation and Funeral Services to share a memory or condolence. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.