Dennis G. Spears

CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Dennis G. Spears, age 67, of Centerville, Indiana, died Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Reid Health surrounded by family. Born December 16, 1956, in Jasper, Indiana, to Robert and Dorothy Ellis Spears, Dennis had lived in this area since he was a young boy. He was a 1974 graduate of Centerville High School. Dennis retired from AVI Food Systems, but most people knew him from the Centerville Fire/Rescue. He served the area for 45 years, 24 of those years he was Fire Chief. Dennis was a member of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association, Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association Auxiliary, Indiana Fire Chiefs Association, and the Wayne County Firefighters Association. He spent what little free time he had watching Hunter, Ravyn, and Drew at their many activities. Dennis had a special relationship with his son-in-law which included being roped in to whatever current project Anthony was working on. He was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church. Chief Spears dedicated decades of service to Centerville and the surrounding communities, but first and foremost was his love, care and commitment to his family. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Leslie Cline Spears, to whom he was married August 5, 1978; daughter, Tammy (Anthony) Smith; grandchildren, Hunter Davis, Ravyn (Doug Williams) Davis, and John Andrew “Drew” Davis; brother, Bryan (Tammy) Spears; sisters-in-law, Cindy Spears and Laura (Darrell) Beck; brothers-in-law, Charles Hauser and Junior James; his little buddy, John Pardo; Jessica Hinshaw, who was like a second daughter to him; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Janette Hauser, Carol James, and David Spears; and two nieces. Visitation for Dennis G. Spears will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association Memorial service at 7:00 p.m., followed by a rosary on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 337 West Maple Street, Cambridge City, Indiana with Father Michael Prakasam officiating. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery in Centerville. Memorial contributions may be made to: Centerville Fire/Rescue Auxiliary, P.O. Box 364, Centerville, IN 47330, with the money to be used to aid in funding for healthcare/public safety education. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Dennis G. Spears

December 16, 1956 - November 16, 2024