Jack Lee Spears

August 3, 1934 - August 31, 2020

Funeral Services for Jack L. Spears, 86, of Tahlequah, will be Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at Cornerstone Fellowship church. Serving as Pall bearers are Ed Spears, Craig Spears, Michael Spears, Scott Reeves, Kelly Ross, Greg Reeves, Fred Poteet, and Alan Spears. Interment will follow in the Tahlequah City Cemetery under the care of Green Country Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at tahlequahfuneral.com A native of Cherokee County Jack was Born in Hulbert, OK the son of D. E. and Theta (Kile) Spears. He attended Tahlequah public schools where he was a 1952, graduate of Central High School. While there he was a member of the Honor Society, Played Varsity Tennis 4 years, and was State Doubles Runner-up in 1951 and State Doubles Champion in 1952, with Bob Ed Culver. He was also on the yearbook staff and participated in the Junior and Senior plays. Following HS graduation, he attended Northeastern State Teachers College where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956 majoring in Health and Physical Education. He again participated on the tennis team and was Vice-President of Sigma Tau Fraternity and the Sophomore Class. He earned his Masters in Guidance and Counseling in 1972 from Northeastern State University. Jack had many occupational experiences beginning in 1956 at Lawton Public Schools where he was a teacher and a coach. He coached the Football State RunnerUp Team in 1960, and State Championships in 1961 and 62. His girls tennis team won State championships in 1962 and 63. Jack left Lawton in 1964, to become Co-owner/manager of Spears Chrysler – Plymouth dealership in Tahlequah until 1971. He then went to work for the State Department of Vocational and Technical Education where he was Director of Tahlequah Skills Center. Jack also worked at Oklahoma Health Systems Agency as Sub-area Coordinator Tahlequah office from 1976 – 1984. Continuing in Education, in 1984, Jack returned to Northeastern State University as Alumni Director where he stayed until 1990, when he moved to Field Services Coordinator and then retired in 1996. An advocate for Tahlequah and having a strong sense of giving back, Jack was involved in many aspects of Tahlequah leadership and philanthropic activities. He was a member of the Tahlequah Board of Education from 1966 – 1973, serving as Vice President from ’71 – ’73. He was a member of Tahlequah Lions Club, Tahlequah Jaycees, the Tahlequah Airport Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce Aviation Committee, and served as Director of the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce 1983-1986, and president in 1984. While at the chamber he was founder of Leadership Council, Citizen of the Month, and NSU Appreciation Day. He also was president of the Tahlequah Quarterback Club and Booster Clubs, Charter Member of Tahlequah-Cherokee County Rotary Club, serving as president in 1984. Jack was awarded the Tahlequah Community Service Award, and the “Big “T” in 1983. Jack was a three-term member of the Tahlequah City Council, member of the Cherokee Environmental Protection Commission, a founding member of Save the Illinois River (STIR) and currently a board member of Tahlequah Public Works Authority and Chairman of the Board. Jack was married to Brenda K. VanDyke on September 14, 1990 and together they successfully raised a happy, blended family. His love of God and family was evident in the way he raised the children and his membership at Central Church of Christ. Jack’s other love was Arrowhead Resort, which he co-owned and worked tirelessly 7 days a week. His vision and hard work made Arrowhead the success it is today. Jack’s influence at Arrowhead will always be felt, along with the strong work ethic and perseverance he taught by example to all his children. Preceding Jack in death are his parents, D. E. and Theta, and his two brothers Zack and Blynn. Surviving Jack are his wife, Brenda, of the home; children David of Tahlequah, Adam and wife Naomi of San Diego, CA, Austin of Tahlequah, and Keri of Tahlequah; Grandchildren Shelby, Naomi (Nunu), Michael, Kayleigh, and Kynlee; and his sister Norma Reeves of Austin, TX, as well as many, many friends, loved ones, and family members.