IONE, WA–Charles Michael Spears (age 75) passed into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 11, 2025.  A remarkable man, Charlie is remembered for his life of humble service to others, including his family, his community, and his country.  In addition to being a devoted husband and father, he was a retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 in the United States Army, an attorney-at-law, and mayor of Ione, Washington.

Charlie was born in Spokane, Washington, on August 19, 1949, to Ralph and Ruthe Spears–a miner and schoolteacher–and grew up in Ione, Washington. After graduating from Selkirk High School in 1967, he joined the military and spent the next three decades serving his country in numerous locations around the country and world.  It was during his posting in Würzburg, Germany, that he met and married the love of his life, Angelika Glücker, in 1979.  Upon the family's return to the United States, Charlie finished his career as a military intelligence officer and embarked upon his career as an attorney.  As a partner in his law firm, Charlie served his clients with integrity and compassion.  Even though life took him to many places around the world, Charlie held a long-time desire to return to the beauty and peace of his hometown, Ione, Washington.  After Angelika's passing in 2005, Charlie fulfilled this desire and returned to Ione for the remainder of his life.  During this time, Charlie was humbled to serve his town as a council member and mayor.

With his larger-than-life personality, Charlie would strike up a conversation with anyone he came across.  He would greet his children and grandchildren with his signature "bear hug."  He was a modern-day Renaissance man with a vast range of interests, especially regarding music and books.  His eclectic music tastes spanned from Mozart to Motown, Elvis to the Eagles, Cream to Creedence–classical, soul, blues, country, bluegrass, and classic rock.  He passed down his own musical talents to his children.  His insatiable appetite for reading is visible in his personal library filled with volumes of poetry, classics, history, philosophy, theology, and, of course, legal and crime thrillers.  Although he frequently lamented the lack of space in his home for yet another bookshelf, that never stopped him from buying another one.

Charlie's faith in Christ developed at a young age and was renewed during the 1970s charismatic movement.  It was during this time that he and Angelika met at a house church in Germany.  This faith is the foundation of his servant's heart.  Especially in later years, he marveled at the depths of God's mercy and the hope found in God's grace.

Charlie is survived by his large extended family: son Owen Michael Spears (wife Tori) and grandchildren Alissa Lynn and Benjamin Michael; son Timothy Michael Spears (wife Lauren) and grandchildren Haylee Grace, Raeghan Evelee, Kilian David, and Ezra Jude; daughter Ruthe Elizabeth Wagner (husband Steve) and grandchildren Angelika Christine, Madelyn Rose, Giovanni Rhys, and Austin Lee; daughter Alisa Suzanne Burks (husband Brad) and grandchildren William Aidan and Evangelyn Christine; sisters Sharyn Evans, Marilu Ryan, and P. Suzanne Griesemer; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Angelika Christine Spears (née Glücker), his parents, Ralph Devoe Spears and Ruthe Louise Spears (née Abbott), his sister Vicki Joann Garber, his brothers-in-law Dennis Evans and Glen Griesemer, and his granddaughter Rylee Spears. A memorial service will be held at the Ione Town Hall on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 10:00 am.  Refreshments will follow.

In lieu of flowers, financial donations may be made to the Ione Food Pantry. Quietly open-handed in life, Charlie would be honored to know his legacy continues to serve his community.  Donations can be mailed to: Ione Food Pantry PO Box 493 Ione, WA 99139 Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport WA is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit their website at www.shermancampbell.com