Kenneth Ray Spear
Kenneth Ray Spear, 1949-2025, age 76, of Pickerington, Ohio, passed away after a courageous 5-year battle with cancer on Monday, December 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born in St. Francis hospital in Cambridge, Ohio on August 19, 1949. Ken attended Caldwell High School and played on the football team, serving as co-captain his senior year and earning All-Southeastern Ohio Defensive Player of the Year and Pioneer Valley League Defensive MVP awards. He went on to study mathematics at Muskingum University and the Ohio State University before earning his Master of Science in economics at South Dakota State University. He pursued a long career in accounting and finance, and he also taught evening economics classes at Columbus State Community College to support his family and fund his children’s college education.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Zail and Shelah Spear. He is survived by his devoted partner of 20 years Sharon Bachna of Cambridge, Ohio; son Nathan (Abby) Spear of Pickerington, Ohio; daughter Stephanie (Luke) Schumacher of Dublin, Ohio; grandchildren Kelly Spear, Jack Spear, William Spear, Axel Schumacher, and Oscar Schumacher; and brothers George (Denise) Spear of New Albany, Ohio and Phillip (Meg) Spear of Tupper Lake, New York.
Ken’s hobbies included reading, genealogy, playing piano, and cheering on his favorite football teams, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ken and Sharon enjoyed traveling, making meals together, and watching their favorite TV shows. Lovingly referred to as “Granddad” by his five grandchildren, he enjoyed spending time with each of them and never missed a chance to make them laugh. His special brand of “Spear humor” may have elicited groans at the time, but will be fondly remembered and missed by all.
Family and friends are welcome to attend visitation hours on Saturday, December 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dwayne Spence Funeral Home, 550 N. Hill Rd. Pickerington, Ohio 43147. A private burial will take place at a later date with his immediate family.
Sending our sympathy love and prayers. Sad we never got to see Kenneth these last years.
Our mother Florence was very close to her cousin Zale and Sheila. And many memories and letters were shared over the years as their children grew along with their families.
Love Bruce and Rhonda (Breuklander) Kneifl
Rest in peace Ken.
My sincere condolences to the many Family and Friends May Ken RIP.