Funeral services for Dr. Michael D. Spears will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, April 2, 2018 at First Baptist Church West Monroe. Rev. Michael Wood will officiate, assisted by Dr. Woods Watson. Interment will follow at Zion Hill Cemetery, Farmerville, LA. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 1, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 7:00Continue Reading
Kathy and Creighton Chandler
left a message on April 12, 2018:
What a fine man he always was and what a high and long-standing example and legacy he left for countless young people. Everyone in West Monroe and Ouachita Parish was so proud to have him in our midst and representing the finest of our area. Susan, our love to you and your family. You were beautiful beside him.
JW
left a message on April 5, 2018:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one. May you find hope and comfort in knowing that, soon, by means of God's Kingdom, no one will ever fall prey of these ruthless enemies, such as sickness and death (Isaiah 33:24; 1 Corinthians 15:26). On the contrary we will welcome our loved ones on an earthly paradise. (Acts 24:15)
JW
left a message on April 5, 2018:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one. May you find hope and comfort in knowing that, soon, by means of God's Kingdom, no one will ever fall prey of these ruthless enemies, such as sickness and death (Isaiah 33:24; 1 Corinthians 15:26). On the contrary we will welcome our loved ones on an earthly paradise. (Acts 24:15)
Camille and Lee Roy Adair
left a message on April 2, 2018:
Dear Susan, Michelle, Jonathan, and Family, I shall always think of Michael with a smile because he could bring one to your face so quickly. What a sly, dry wit he had and we shared stories and smiles and laughs while on lunch duty together so many times at WMHS. I admired him so much for his talents in music, his teaching ability, inspiration for young people he taught in band,and his strength of character as an educator! What a tremendous legacy he has left. You can be very proud of your loved one, for his was a life well lived! We will miss him but know we will see him again in our Heavenly home one day. I can just imagine him right now as "The Leader of the Band" in Heaven! Wow, I'll bet that is some beautiful, perfect music. Our love and prayers, Camille and Lee Adair
Tracie Ellerman
left a message on April 2, 2018:
Words cannot fully express the impact that Mike had on my musical experience, both as a band director and as a horn player with him in brass quintets and ensembles. This included community bands and the occasional rodeo bands which Oscar Barnes led! Rest in peace, my friend, and may the heavenly angels learn about their embouchures from you!
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Sue M Douglas
left a message on April 2, 2018:
Susan and Family. I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gayle (Pinckard) Kearney
left a message on April 2, 2018:
How sad to learn of Michael's death. We were actually in the band together at Farmerville High School, and from the same community. Although I haven't seen him in lo, these many years, my mother has kept me posted about his many awards and how popular he was at WMHS. I remember him bailing me out when I was supposed to play a solo and couldn't because of a broken oboe reed. It still astounds me that he could play it so beautifully with no forewarning. Talented indeed. I rejoice to know about his faith in Jesus, and can imagine him playing his trumpet in heaven. God bless you all.
Jason Smith
left a message on April 1, 2018:
Dr. Spears was my first trumpet teacher. He really pushed me hard as a player. I have some great stories and memories of the time we would work on trumpet playing. Thank you Dr. Spears for all you did for me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jason Smith
Steve Stewart
left a message on April 1, 2018:
I'm sorry I couldn't attend the service I really wanted to. God Bless!
Terry Bratton
left a message on April 1, 2018:
Such a wonderful and memorable icon of the music industry which I was so blessed to know for decades. Great memories I will always cherish from this great man. Our loss is Heavens gain. Love and prayers to sweet Mrs. Susan Spears and the children.
Steve Stewart
left a message on April 1, 2018:
My condolences to all of the family but especially to my classmate Michelle. Dr. Spears was a tough teacher but he had to be to keep all of us goofballs in line! I learned a lot from him and our bands made awesome music!!!
Kathy Burns
left a message on April 1, 2018:
Michael was part of my childhood growing up in the Zion Hill community. Beth and I were very close during those growing up years. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. May our LORD and Savior comfort you and your family during this time. PRAISE THE LORD that He is there for you. All of you are in mine and Floyd’s prayers. RespectfullyKathy (Ward) Burns
David Butler
left a message on March 31, 2018:
Forever my hero!!
Mike and Debbie Graves
left a message on March 31, 2018:
The world of music has lost a great teacher and mentor!!! There was no one kinder to me when I first started teaching band. Mike and I both dearly loved the man, his wit and his dry humor. Our prayers will be with Susan, Michelle, Jonathan and all of the grandchildren that I know will miss him terribly. We are so glad that this great man's pain and suffering are over and he is in the presence today of our Lord Jesus Christ! He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew and loved him.
Ashley
left a message on March 31, 2018:
I remember him from community band my senior year in high school 2010. We played an amazing Christmas performance! He knew how to lead a band and we all loved him. He was so kind. He will be very missed!
Melanie Barron Brooks
left a message on March 31, 2018:
Susan, Michelle, and Jonathan: I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. We are praying for you all.
Shelia D Martin
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I was a freshman in Rebel Band Dr. Spears' 2nd year at West Monroe High School. 4 years under his direction helped lead me into a profession as a music educator. I am proud to have known Dr. Spears as a teacher, mentor, colleague and most of all dear friend. His home is in heaven now,but his legacy lives on in the many people his life touched in music and as friend. Heaven's band is a lot better now!
Deanna Douglass Powers
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I graduated from West Monroe High in 1991 and was in the band for all of high school. People warned us about Dr. Spears...He was one of my favorite teachers of all time. He pushed us so we could be the best and we were. I think of him often and he will be greatly missed!
Stephanie Broom
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dr Spears you will be missed. Always remember you pushing us to be better in band. And we were! WMHS MARCHING BAND #1!
Tom and Barbara mccandlish
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Our prayer and love are with you all
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Gary Crump
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dr. Spears was a great man, best music teacher ever, I will always love and cherish the memories we had at WMHS.
Rhonda Inzer Piccolo
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I am thinking of the Spears family with great love and remembrance of times past.
Rhonda Inzer Piccolo
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I’m thinking of the Spears family with great love and remembrance of times past.
Donna McCorkle
left a message on March 30, 2018:
So sorry Ms Susan for the loss of Dr. Spears. I appreciate the privilege he gave me to put that amazing band in uniform. He was special to me as you are. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Barbara Craft Manning
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dear Spears family I am praying for you all, that the Lord will give you the peace that passes all understanding. I know your hearts are heavy with mourning but keep your eyes on your Lord. For Those whose hope is in our LordJesus Christ, death has no sting or victory,for we will see our loved ones again. Dr Spears loved his family above all else and it showed His memory will live on thru the 100’s of lives he touched What a great and wonderful legacy he has left to you, his family. To know as he stands before the Father, he will be told “Well done!, my good and faithful servant”. Please know that I’m here if you need anything
Richard and Duska Landry
left a message on March 30, 2018:
We are so sorry for your loss.
Julie Green Class of 1971
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dr. Spears was fabulous at his craft. I always admired him and so did his students. The WMHS marching band never lost a halftime show!! May he Rest In Peace and rise in glory!!
Gary and Nancy Green
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Susan,We are praying for you and your family,In His Love, Gary & Nancy Green
Alton Lacey
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I was the drum major at WMHS my senior year and Mike’s first year. I learned much about leadership from him and he was always gracious to me when I would see him in later years. It thrilled me to see him become the best director of the best band in the state. My deepest condolences.
Jan Wawrzyniak
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Susan, Michelle & Family, Jonathan & Family, Spears and Rhodes families: you all are in my heart and prayers, I ask Our Father to hold you up at this sad time. I thank God for his sweet plan for our future that’s free of pain, suffering and sadness. I’m thankful that Michael is face to face with our loving, risen Savior and more alive than ever. Love you!
Sammie Saulsbury--Amarillo,TX
left a message on March 30, 2018:
My thoughts and prayers are with the family especially but also with the countless WMHS students & faculty members who loved and admired Dr Spears.
David Hollingsworth
left a message on March 30, 2018:
So many fond memories of Dr. Mike. He was a mentor to so many young teachers and I am thankful to have been one of them. Though I moved away from the area over 30 years ago, I think of him often and have, on many occasions, shared stories of Dr. Mikey with friends and with students. We are better for having known him and his legacy lives on through those that he taught both as students and as colleagues. We have truly lost "one of the good guys". My sincerest condolences and my sincerest thanks.
Daniel C. Sanchez
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Thank you Dr. Spears for all the good memories while serving with you in the WMHS band (1998-2001). Not only for the music and amazing musical journeys but for the life lessons and self-discipline that was taught. I am truly grateful that our paths crossed. Thank you sir... God Bless...
Jennifer Williams
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I would like to offer my condolences, love and prayers to Dr. Spears' family. I would also like to thank Mrs. Spears, Michelle and Jonathan for sharing him with all of us for so many years. I learned so much about music from Dr. Spears during my time in band and also learned much about myself. He brought the out best in everyone under his direction. I will always be thankful for the confidence and discipline that I began to develop during that time. Thank you Dr. Spears! Rest in Peace - Jennifer Williams, Clarinet, 1985-1988
Trey Lankford
left a message on March 30, 2018:
"Harry High School" That's just one of the many sayings Dr. Spears had for us when we weren't playing our best ... it got our attention and when we were in sync he would give that smile of approval and all was well again. I wish I could remember more from that time but I do remember his passion and pursuit of perfection. All he ever asked from us was our best and when we gave it there wasn't another band in the world that could compare to the WMHS band led by Dr. Spears. He will be missed by many but his legacy lives forever.Trey Lankford 1982-1984 Trumpet
Sean Carrier
left a message on March 30, 2018:
What a great man and educator!
Joy Heard Roberts
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dr. Spears was a special man. I had the honor of learning from him and being a part of something spectacular that he built at WMHS. Class of 1999, French horn
Derricca Audirsch
left a message on March 29, 2018:
RIP to the best band director I ever had the privilege to play for.
Donald (Donnie) Gee
left a message on March 29, 2018:
I received this new before 6am this morning. I cannot express here the impact that I felt at that early hour. This man meant more to me as both a professional and friend than this space will accommodate. At the onset of our time together, I was the green student teacher in 1976. I was encouraged by him to take over a sabbatical replacement gig that fed band students into his program. Five years of time passed, and he encouraged me to accept the opportunity to take over the "rival" school OPHS when my other mentor left the opening. It was during those 15 years that followed, that he and I strengthened a friendship that I will forever treasure as one of my fondest. Our students loved the combination "post game" shows at OPHS/WMHS games. This defines "friendly rivalry". The Saturday music store enclaves were only complete with his presence, always ready to give sage advice to any of the younger ones willing to listen. This was band as it was meant to be and the quality of those performances reflect that. I'll stop now, because I could go on for hours, and I know there will be a shortage of space for that. RIP Mike!
Bobby Hayden
left a message on March 29, 2018:
Dr. Spears had a profound effect on my life. The values and diciplines instilled by him and John Brothers have stayed with me my entire life. It is a great privilege to have been lucky enough to have had him as my band director at WMHS. He will be sorely missed. Class of 1976 Alto Sax
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Lynn Gentry Solomon
left a message on March 29, 2018:
My sincere condolences. WMHS Rebel Band. Xylophone, ‘77-‘79.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Kathy and Creighton Chandler
left a message on April 12, 2018:
What a fine man he always was and what a high and long-standing example and legacy he left for countless young people. Everyone in West Monroe and Ouachita Parish was so proud to have him in our midst and representing the finest of our area. Susan, our love to you and your family. You were beautiful beside him.
JW
left a message on April 5, 2018:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one. May you find hope and comfort in knowing that, soon, by means of God's Kingdom, no one will ever fall prey of these ruthless enemies, such as sickness and death (Isaiah 33:24; 1 Corinthians 15:26). On the contrary we will welcome our loved ones on an earthly paradise. (Acts 24:15)
JW
left a message on April 5, 2018:
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Words fail to capture the pain of losing a loved one. May you find hope and comfort in knowing that, soon, by means of God's Kingdom, no one will ever fall prey of these ruthless enemies, such as sickness and death (Isaiah 33:24; 1 Corinthians 15:26). On the contrary we will welcome our loved ones on an earthly paradise. (Acts 24:15)
Camille and Lee Roy Adair
left a message on April 2, 2018:
Dear Susan, Michelle, Jonathan, and Family, I shall always think of Michael with a smile because he could bring one to your face so quickly. What a sly, dry wit he had and we shared stories and smiles and laughs while on lunch duty together so many times at WMHS. I admired him so much for his talents in music, his teaching ability, inspiration for young people he taught in band,and his strength of character as an educator! What a tremendous legacy he has left. You can be very proud of your loved one, for his was a life well lived! We will miss him but know we will see him again in our Heavenly home one day. I can just imagine him right now as "The Leader of the Band" in Heaven! Wow, I'll bet that is some beautiful, perfect music. Our love and prayers, Camille and Lee Adair
Tracie Ellerman
left a message on April 2, 2018:
Words cannot fully express the impact that Mike had on my musical experience, both as a band director and as a horn player with him in brass quintets and ensembles. This included community bands and the occasional rodeo bands which Oscar Barnes led! Rest in peace, my friend, and may the heavenly angels learn about their embouchures from you!
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Sue M Douglas
left a message on April 2, 2018:
Susan and Family. I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Gayle (Pinckard) Kearney
left a message on April 2, 2018:
How sad to learn of Michael's death. We were actually in the band together at Farmerville High School, and from the same community. Although I haven't seen him in lo, these many years, my mother has kept me posted about his many awards and how popular he was at WMHS. I remember him bailing me out when I was supposed to play a solo and couldn't because of a broken oboe reed. It still astounds me that he could play it so beautifully with no forewarning. Talented indeed. I rejoice to know about his faith in Jesus, and can imagine him playing his trumpet in heaven. God bless you all.
Jason Smith
left a message on April 1, 2018:
Dr. Spears was my first trumpet teacher. He really pushed me hard as a player. I have some great stories and memories of the time we would work on trumpet playing. Thank you Dr. Spears for all you did for me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jason Smith
Steve Stewart
left a message on April 1, 2018:
I'm sorry I couldn't attend the service I really wanted to. God Bless!
Terry Bratton
left a message on April 1, 2018:
Such a wonderful and memorable icon of the music industry which I was so blessed to know for decades. Great memories I will always cherish from this great man. Our loss is Heavens gain. Love and prayers to sweet Mrs. Susan Spears and the children.
Steve Stewart
left a message on April 1, 2018:
My condolences to all of the family but especially to my classmate Michelle. Dr. Spears was a tough teacher but he had to be to keep all of us goofballs in line! I learned a lot from him and our bands made awesome music!!!
Kathy Burns
left a message on April 1, 2018:
Michael was part of my childhood growing up in the Zion Hill community. Beth and I were very close during those growing up years. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. May our LORD and Savior comfort you and your family during this time. PRAISE THE LORD that He is there for you. All of you are in mine and Floyd’s prayers. RespectfullyKathy (Ward) Burns
David Butler
left a message on March 31, 2018:
Forever my hero!!
Mike and Debbie Graves
left a message on March 31, 2018:
The world of music has lost a great teacher and mentor!!! There was no one kinder to me when I first started teaching band. Mike and I both dearly loved the man, his wit and his dry humor. Our prayers will be with Susan, Michelle, Jonathan and all of the grandchildren that I know will miss him terribly. We are so glad that this great man's pain and suffering are over and he is in the presence today of our Lord Jesus Christ! He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew and loved him.
Ashley
left a message on March 31, 2018:
I remember him from community band my senior year in high school 2010. We played an amazing Christmas performance! He knew how to lead a band and we all loved him. He was so kind. He will be very missed!
Melanie Barron Brooks
left a message on March 31, 2018:
Susan, Michelle, and Jonathan: I am so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. We are praying for you all.
Shelia D Martin
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I was a freshman in Rebel Band Dr. Spears' 2nd year at West Monroe High School. 4 years under his direction helped lead me into a profession as a music educator. I am proud to have known Dr. Spears as a teacher, mentor, colleague and most of all dear friend. His home is in heaven now,but his legacy lives on in the many people his life touched in music and as friend. Heaven's band is a lot better now!
Deanna Douglass Powers
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I graduated from West Monroe High in 1991 and was in the band for all of high school. People warned us about Dr. Spears...He was one of my favorite teachers of all time. He pushed us so we could be the best and we were. I think of him often and he will be greatly missed!
Stephanie Broom
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dr Spears you will be missed. Always remember you pushing us to be better in band. And we were! WMHS MARCHING BAND #1!
Tom and Barbara mccandlish
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Our prayer and love are with you all
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Gary Crump
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dr. Spears was a great man, best music teacher ever, I will always love and cherish the memories we had at WMHS.
Rhonda Inzer Piccolo
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I am thinking of the Spears family with great love and remembrance of times past.
Rhonda Inzer Piccolo
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I’m thinking of the Spears family with great love and remembrance of times past.
Donna McCorkle
left a message on March 30, 2018:
So sorry Ms Susan for the loss of Dr. Spears. I appreciate the privilege he gave me to put that amazing band in uniform. He was special to me as you are. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Barbara Craft Manning
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dear Spears family I am praying for you all, that the Lord will give you the peace that passes all understanding. I know your hearts are heavy with mourning but keep your eyes on your Lord. For Those whose hope is in our LordJesus Christ, death has no sting or victory,for we will see our loved ones again. Dr Spears loved his family above all else and it showed His memory will live on thru the 100’s of lives he touched What a great and wonderful legacy he has left to you, his family. To know as he stands before the Father, he will be told “Well done!, my good and faithful servant”. Please know that I’m here if you need anything
Richard and Duska Landry
left a message on March 30, 2018:
We are so sorry for your loss.
Julie Green Class of 1971
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dr. Spears was fabulous at his craft. I always admired him and so did his students. The WMHS marching band never lost a halftime show!! May he Rest In Peace and rise in glory!!
Gary and Nancy Green
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Susan,We are praying for you and your family,In His Love, Gary & Nancy Green
Alton Lacey
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I was the drum major at WMHS my senior year and Mike’s first year. I learned much about leadership from him and he was always gracious to me when I would see him in later years. It thrilled me to see him become the best director of the best band in the state. My deepest condolences.
Jan Wawrzyniak
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Susan, Michelle & Family, Jonathan & Family, Spears and Rhodes families: you all are in my heart and prayers, I ask Our Father to hold you up at this sad time. I thank God for his sweet plan for our future that’s free of pain, suffering and sadness. I’m thankful that Michael is face to face with our loving, risen Savior and more alive than ever. Love you!
Sammie Saulsbury--Amarillo,TX
left a message on March 30, 2018:
My thoughts and prayers are with the family especially but also with the countless WMHS students & faculty members who loved and admired Dr Spears.
David Hollingsworth
left a message on March 30, 2018:
So many fond memories of Dr. Mike. He was a mentor to so many young teachers and I am thankful to have been one of them. Though I moved away from the area over 30 years ago, I think of him often and have, on many occasions, shared stories of Dr. Mikey with friends and with students. We are better for having known him and his legacy lives on through those that he taught both as students and as colleagues. We have truly lost "one of the good guys". My sincerest condolences and my sincerest thanks.
Daniel C. Sanchez
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Thank you Dr. Spears for all the good memories while serving with you in the WMHS band (1998-2001). Not only for the music and amazing musical journeys but for the life lessons and self-discipline that was taught. I am truly grateful that our paths crossed. Thank you sir... God Bless...
Jennifer Williams
left a message on March 30, 2018:
I would like to offer my condolences, love and prayers to Dr. Spears' family. I would also like to thank Mrs. Spears, Michelle and Jonathan for sharing him with all of us for so many years. I learned so much about music from Dr. Spears during my time in band and also learned much about myself. He brought the out best in everyone under his direction. I will always be thankful for the confidence and discipline that I began to develop during that time. Thank you Dr. Spears! Rest in Peace - Jennifer Williams, Clarinet, 1985-1988
Trey Lankford
left a message on March 30, 2018:
"Harry High School" That's just one of the many sayings Dr. Spears had for us when we weren't playing our best ... it got our attention and when we were in sync he would give that smile of approval and all was well again. I wish I could remember more from that time but I do remember his passion and pursuit of perfection. All he ever asked from us was our best and when we gave it there wasn't another band in the world that could compare to the WMHS band led by Dr. Spears. He will be missed by many but his legacy lives forever.Trey Lankford 1982-1984 Trumpet
Sean Carrier
left a message on March 30, 2018:
What a great man and educator!
Joy Heard Roberts
left a message on March 30, 2018:
Dr. Spears was a special man. I had the honor of learning from him and being a part of something spectacular that he built at WMHS. Class of 1999, French horn
Derricca Audirsch
left a message on March 29, 2018:
RIP to the best band director I ever had the privilege to play for.
Donald (Donnie) Gee
left a message on March 29, 2018:
I received this new before 6am this morning. I cannot express here the impact that I felt at that early hour. This man meant more to me as both a professional and friend than this space will accommodate. At the onset of our time together, I was the green student teacher in 1976. I was encouraged by him to take over a sabbatical replacement gig that fed band students into his program. Five years of time passed, and he encouraged me to accept the opportunity to take over the "rival" school OPHS when my other mentor left the opening. It was during those 15 years that followed, that he and I strengthened a friendship that I will forever treasure as one of my fondest. Our students loved the combination "post game" shows at OPHS/WMHS games. This defines "friendly rivalry". The Saturday music store enclaves were only complete with his presence, always ready to give sage advice to any of the younger ones willing to listen. This was band as it was meant to be and the quality of those performances reflect that. I'll stop now, because I could go on for hours, and I know there will be a shortage of space for that. RIP Mike!
Bobby Hayden
left a message on March 29, 2018:
Dr. Spears had a profound effect on my life. The values and diciplines instilled by him and John Brothers have stayed with me my entire life. It is a great privilege to have been lucky enough to have had him as my band director at WMHS. He will be sorely missed. Class of 1976 Alto Sax
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Lynn Gentry Solomon
left a message on March 29, 2018:
My sincere condolences. WMHS Rebel Band. Xylophone, ‘77-‘79.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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