Steven Jeffrey Spears

STEVEN “STEVE” JEFFREY SPEARS, 60, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 7:51 pm, Sunday, January 24, 2021 (1-24-21, a palindrome, teaching math to the end) at his residence.

Steve was born to Jack E. and Doris (nee Dennis) on April 2, 1960 in Peru, Illinois and grew up in Lowpoint, Illinois.

Steve received a Masters and Bachelors Degree/Teaching Certificate in Math Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He graduated as salutatorian from Lowpoint-Washburn High School, where he lettered in basketball, baseball and track.

Teaching and Coaching were Steve’s passion, he encouraged his students and athletes to excel in all endeavors. He spent most of his teaching career at Chester and Tuscola High Schools and taught part time at Parkland Community College. He possessed an extraordinary talent of being able to make even the most complex math easy to understand.

While attending the University of Illinois, Steve was a proud member of Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, where he served as president and was in the Student Orange Krush Organization. Steve was a member of the Moose Lodge #1764 in Chester, Illinois.

Steve is survived by his beloved daughters, Korrine and Audrey Spears; his mother Doris Spears; a sister Debbie Nesmith; a brother, Dennis Spears; two nieces, two nephews and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Spears.

Due to Covid-19, no in person services will be held. The family requests individuals celebrate Steve’s life on his birthday, April 2, 2021 by wearing a tropical shirt, Illini gear or a wild tie and remember how he enlightened the lives of so many with his brilliance and humor.

Memorial donations may be made to the Illinois Alpha Delta Phi Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 17306, Urbana IL 61803 or a local American Heart Association.