302 S. Walnut Street Sherman, TX 75090 | Map It | 903.893.1171

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John Alexander Spears

December 06, 1946 - July 07, 2025

Text:

Obituary For John Alexander Spears

John Alexander Spears was born to Charles and Charlotte Spears on December 6, 1946, in Fort Worth, Texas, and died July 7, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Patty (nee Smith), their two sons, Matthew William and Charles Joseph, granddaughter Melody Starr Spears and bonus granddaughter Laney Jean Murray, sister Betsy Spears Bamford, brother Russell Spears and wife Cathy. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bradford Spears.

John was a 1965 graduate of Sherman High School and graduate of Sam Houston State University. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and spent most of his service in Heidelberg, Germany. Following his service, John returned to Sherman and after a few odd jobs, joined Victor Quin at Quin Studio and began his career as a professional photographer. Over the more than 60 years the studio was in business, the two of them photographed many generations of families.

In addition to photography through the studio, John traveled extensively to scenic destinations to photograph. When he wasn't taking pictures, John loved to garden, as evidenced by the wonderful landscaping around his and Patty's “country cottage.”

John was a dedicated member of the Sherman Rotary Club since 1981, serving in numerous capacities including Director of Vocational Service, DFYIT Chair, and Sgt-At-Arms for three decades. He truly exemplified the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” in his daily life. He was never one to seek recognition, yet he quietly looked after friends and fellow Rotarians in meaningful and lasting ways. He funded many Sherman Rotary projects over the years, most recently the club's literacy projects at Sory Elementary School and the Sherman Public Library book vending machine. He also contributed significantly as a long-standing trustee of the Sherman Rotary Club Charitable and Scholarship Foundation, Inc. and was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. In addition, John served on the Boards of the Sherman Museum, the Erwin E. Smith Foundation, and the Grayson County College Foundation.

A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM, and will take place at Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Sherman. Services are under the direction of Dannel Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Services

16 Aug

Celebration of Life

11:00 AM

Covenant Presbyterian 322 W Pecan St Sherman, TX 75090 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • August 18, 2025

    Butch Fife

    Paryers from our family to yours

  • July 23, 2025

    Gregory P. McRae

    In 1981, Sappenfield's Studio in Sherman had just closed and I started my Photography Studio at Kelly Square ... Johnny Spears and Victor Quin helped me get started and even sent me customers! Later on I closed the business and Kelly Walton and I started North Texas Video .... Johnny negotiated some professional video equipment for us to help us get started. We produced videos here for 11 years. Johnny taught me 3-point lighting and many other skills that I used at other television stations, including an ad agency. I passed that knowledge onto my Audio/Video students at Tyler ISD , Sherman ISD, and Van Alstyne CTE & High Schools! Johnny Spears was humble man ....giving of his valuable time, a great friend, and he could make me laugh with his dry sense of humor! John's eye for details, composition, artistic skills, professionalism and expertise will never be matched. We have lost a true hero. Thank You Johnny Spears for all you have done for me and for the many generations of families he recorded onto canvas portraits in the city that he loved so very much ... Sherman, Texas. -Gregory P. McRae Retired Sherman ISD Teacher Sherman, Texas

  • July 23, 2025

    Susan Stanfield

    I was shocked to hear of John's passing. My prayers go out to Patty, the boys and the whole family.

  • July 21, 2025

    John Moseley

    I sit here and see several photographs that John took of our family over the years. He helped create the visual record of memories for us and countless others. I share the love of his art form and considered him more that a classmate, but a friend. With love from our family to his.

  • July 12, 2025

    Gwen

    I am sorry for your loss. It's been years since I saw him. I kept the boys when they were young. The whole family was a joy to work with. May God comfort you all. Gwen Kirk

  • July 11, 2025

    Janis Thompson

    John was a very kind man with the exceptional talent of capturing beauty in his photography. He quietly contributed his time and resources to so many organizations in our community. His kindness and generosity will be missed.

  • July 10, 2025

    Mike Earnhart

    John and myself spoke many times about photography and the business end of it. Great person with some great talent, he will be missed. Prayers for the family.

  • July 10, 2025

    David M. Kennedy

    I am sure sorry to hear of this. I have considered John a friend for decades, always a nice visit when we saw each other. A good man who will be missed, but leaves us with plenty of good memories. RIP my friend.

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