Richard W. Spear, 74, of Lafayette, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023 at the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette.
He was born September 4, 1948, in Lafayette, to the late Willie and Mona (Simmons) Spear.
Richard graduated from Southwestern High School and Indiana Business College in Indianapolis.
He proudly served in the Army during the Vietnam War from August 19, 1968 until August 18, 1971.
On February 12, 1972, he married Sandra Jones in Lafayette and she survives.
Richard worked in Information Technology at Purdue University for 40+ years before retiring.
He was a member of American Legion Post # 11, Eagles Lodge # 347 and the VFW.
Richard enjoyed bowling, fishing, muscle cars, especially his 1955 Chevy and 1971 Nova SS.
Surviving with his wife of 51 years, Sandra K. Spear is a son, Jason (Stephanie) Spear and a daughter, Tanya (Matt) Harmon all of Lafayette, a brother, Dale (Marsha) Spear of Lafayette and two sisters, Donna (Tim) Bolyard of Mancos, CO and Gail (Jeff) Jenkins of Buck Creek. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Emma and Miles Spear and Jaxton and Jaydelynn Harmon.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909
The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Friday, June 2, 2023 also at Soller-Baker Lafayette with Rev. Joseph Park Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette with military rites.
Memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation.