John H. Spear

COTTAGEVILLE, S.C. -- John H. "Ace" Spear, 51, of Cottageville passed away Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016.

John was born April 2, 1965, in Rome, New York, son of Angela Marie Cote Spear and the late John Allen Spear.

He was a retired veteran of the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 23 years. Post military, John became an accomplished artistic metal fabricator.

John's love for motorcycles and his gun collection were well known. He enjoyed recounting stories about his childhood farm days, military encounters and club events. He also loved reading and their dogs.

He is survived by his mother, Angela Spear of Colorado Springs, Colorado; longtime mate, Denise Hutchison of Cottageville; three sisters, Susan Black of Elbert, Colorado, Irene Spear of Tucson, Arizona, and Annette Spear (Philip Bird) of Colorado Springs; Denise's siblings, Christina Onnybecker of Benton, Kentucky, and Steve Naeter of Cape Girardeau; and countless other relatives and friends.

John's infectious laughter will be missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at his home in Cottageville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852, or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Memorial messages may be written to the family by visiting www.jamesadyal.com.

The James A. Dyal Funeral Home of Summerville was in charge of arrangements.