Paul Lawrence “Larry” Spears, 41, of West Lafayette, IN, died Friday, March 13, 2009 in his residence.

Memorial graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2009 in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL with military rites. Visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009 in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville. Memorials may be given to the Education Fund for Tia and Brandon Spears.

Larry was born on October 9, 1967 in St. Louis, MO, the son of John Oliver and Flora Jean Johnson Spears. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1985. He enlisted in the Navy where he became a Russian linguist. He was a veteran of six years in the Navy and took part in Operation Desert Storm serving on the U.S.S. Wisconsin in the Persian Gulf. He then went to work at International Paper in Shelbyville for seven years.

Larry loved his children and was an avid sports fan. He cheered his favorite teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Illini and the Baltimore Orioles. He also enjoyed collecting coins.

Surviving are his daughter, Tia Spears and son, Brandon Spears both of Nokomis; brother, Steven Spears and wife Stacey of Shelbyville; nieces, Heaven Spears of Carbondale and Sadie Spears of Shelbyville; and nephew, Brett Spears of Shelbyville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David Johnson.