Bud Spears

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Clayton "Bud" Spears, 65, of Sikeston died Wednesday, May 12, 2010, at his home, following an extended illness.

He was born Sept. 5, 1944, in Piggott, Ark., to the late Robert and Inez McMullin Spears. He and Connie Wilhelm Alexander were married June 24, 1966, in Jonesboro, Ark.

Spears was an administrator, teacher and coach 33 years in the Sikeston public school system. He coached basketball at Kelly High School in Benton, Mo., in 1966, and at Morehouse, Mo., High School in 1967.

He was head basketball coach of Sikeston High School boys varsity teams from 1974 to 1984. He won the district championship in 4-A basketball in 1975. He also coached boys tennis several years, and served as transportation director of Sikeston schools. He was currently elementary attendance officer with the schools.

Spears was inducted in Sikeston Public Schools Hall of Fame. He was a member of Sikeston Teachers Association, Missouri Teachers Association and First United Methodist Church.

He received a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Arkansas State University, and completed graduate work at Southeast Missouri State University and Southern Illinois University.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Glen Alexander of Sikeston; two daughters, Becky Wade of Blodgett, Mo., Lori Alexander of Dallas; two brothers, Jim and Glen Spears of New Madrid, Mo.; two sisters, Mavis Young of Wardell, Mo., Carolyn Grooms of Portageville, Mo.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Alton Spears.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Geoff Posegate officiating. Assisting will be Dr. Jim Davis. Burial will be in Stanfield Cemetery at Clarkton, Mo.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Sikeston Public Schools Foundation, American Cancer Society or First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.