By Chev:

Kelley & I along with my folks were able to go to the memorial service for Chuck Spears on Tuesday at East Cross UMC in Bartlesville.

I've decided to reply to this specific email because I wanted you all to know that the service was anything but sad. I was amazed at the amount of laughter and smiles that were shared in the service as well as after. I shouldn't be surprised though knowing that Chuck's unending sense of humor would continue on well past his earthly existence.

Some of his best known one-liners were mentioned:

"I'm glad you got to see me."
Or if you were quick enough to say that first he'd simply reply, "The pleasure was all yours."
"I've been married for 53 wonderful years. 53 out of 59 isn't too bad."
"Let me introduce you to my FIRST wife...."

Other stories included:

"Following a talk by a roofer to their condo association the crowd was asked if they had any questions. Chuck raised his hand and said, 'I don't have a shingle question.'" [I didn't even know what a pun was until I met Chuck Spears. - Chev]

One of the current or past East Cross pastoral staff told of his first meeting Chuck. Chuck put his glasses on his forehead and, with a serious, penetrating look, he said something like, "I have to ask the three-word question, the answer to which, determines the true character of a person......(long pause...make him sweat).... OU or OSU?"

Towards the end Charlie spoke for the usual Charlie-length of time—longer than he should, but never saying more than you wanted to hear. He told of the different things and people that Chuck loved. He obviously had a pile of notes of memories he'd taken from family & friends over the weekend. The recurring theme was that "Chuck loved [blank]. Chuck loved Jesus, because Jesus first loved Chuck."

I don't think I saw anyone crying. Nothing but smiles rejoicing in a life well lived and still being lived with his Lord. We got there 20 minutes early and had to sit near the back of the balcony. They set up seats in the foyer for overflow and there may have even been folks that couldn't be seated.

Chuck is a rare man and I'm sorry I didn't get to see him more in recent years. He is one of those guys that would do well on a wall of fame for any young man wanting great mentors to look up to. I'm looking forward to seeing him in heaven. The pleasure will indeed be all mine.

Chev

PS. I've attached a copy of the program from the memorial service. Jim, you should recognize a name or two on there