Robert Spires

Robert Spires, Jr. age 87 of York, formerly of Exeter, died Monday, January 2, 2012 in Lincoln. He was born August 16, 1924 in Clarks, NE, to Robert and Nettie I. (Ernst) Spires. He graduated from Clarks High School. He retired, as a Trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol, after 27 years of service. He then worked for the Nebraska Public Service Commission, from which he retired after ten years of service. He was previously a member of the Exeter United Methodist Church and was a current member of the First United Methodist Church in York. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion. He enjoyed gardening, bird watching and spending time with his family. On November 18, 1947 he was married to Donna Mae Land, in Central City, NE.

He is survived by one son, Spencer Spires of York, four daughters, Vicki Kopsa of Lincoln, Kathy (Dennis) Volkmer of York, Sheila (Thomas) Ekeler of York, and Michele (Jerry) Woollen of Lincoln. Nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, two sisters, Eileen Hansher of Columbus, NE, Beverly Schuele of Columbus, NE, and two brothers, Tom (Pat) Spires of Clarks, Dennis (Charlene) Spires of Atwood, KS. He was preceded in death by his wife, one infant grandson, one infant granddaughter, one infant great-grandson, two brothers and one sister.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in York with Pastor Art Phillips officiating. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery in York. Memorials may be directed to the family.