Jerry L. Spears, 84, Bennington, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025, in Minneapolis. He was born June 8, 1941, in Milton, to James F. and Marjorie O. (Dillon) Spears.
Following graduation from Protection High School, Jerry graduated from Kansas Wesleyan University, and he graduated from Kansas State University with a master’s degree in education. He and Connie Misenhelter were married on June 21, 1964. Jerry was an elementary education teacher, and he served as principal at the Special Education Center in Salina. He was instrumental in his community by serving on the Bennington E.M.S., Cub Scout leader, and a longtime member of the United Church of Bennington.
Jerry was an avid fisherman and woodworker, but his true love was his family. He could be found making funnel cakes at the Bennington rodeo, anonymously picking up the bill at the Cozy Inn for a customer, and working and supporting the Bennington community garden. He lived by the philosophy to never pass up a child's lemonade stand or local fundraiser.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Connie on June 2, 2016; and siblings, Johnnie Spears and Juanda Arent.
Survivors are his son Jamie Spears and his wife, Shelly of Celina, TX and Jolea Twaddell and her husband, Marty of Bailey, CO; and six grandchildren Skylar, Kaden, and Kace Spears and Ian, Gabriel, and Piper Twaddell.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M., Tuesday, July 1, at Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467. If you feel inclined, please wear a “Jerry Spears plaid shirt”. Memorials may be made to Bennington E.M.S. or the Bennington Senior Center and may be left in care of the funeral home.