Gilbert Winston Spear, beloved dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 21, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 92 years old.

Gilbert was born December 2, 1931, to Frank Byron Spear and Vera Lucile Higens Spear in Lacona, Iowa.

Gilbert served and was stationed at Fort Riley during the Korean War from 1952-1954. On May 13, 1955, Gilbert was united in marriage to Eva "Joanne" Bonnett and they were blessed with three children, Randy, Ronald, and Rhonda.

Gilbert farmed and raised registered Angus cattle in the Liberty Center area until retiring in 2005 and moving to Indianola, Iowa. As we all know, a farmer never truly "retires" and Gilbert was no different. He continued to stay involved with the farming operation for many years.

Gilbert lived all of his life in Warren County and was actively involved in his community as a 4-H leader and serving on the boards of the Liberty Center School, the South Central Co-Op, and the Warren County Fair. He was also a member of the Warren County Angus Association and Legion Post #661 in Liberty Center.

Gilbert loved and rarely missed the Warren County and Iowa State fairs. He could always be found near the livestock shows or in the farm machinery. In the winter months, he and Joanne traveled south to Corpus Christi, Texas spending time at the Laguna RV Park. He loved the warmer weather and watching the ships sail into the harbor.

Gilbert is survived by his brother Dwight (Sharon) Spear; and children Randy (Kay)Spear, Ronald (Lola) Spear, and Rhonda (Kevin) Gripp; grandchildren, J.R. (Heidi) Spear, Jeff (Billie) Spear, McKenzie (Josh) Becker, Trevor (Amy) Spear, Casey (Amy) Spear, Allison (Beau) Crookes, and Mark (Casey) Gripp; and 22 great-grandchildren. Gilbert was preceded in death by his loving wife Joanne, his parents Frank and Vera Spear; brother Donald Spear; granddaughter Ashley Spear Greubel; great-grandchildren, Grant and Harper Spear.

Funeral services for Gilbert Spear, 92, of Indianola, will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 25, at Farmers Chapel United Methodist Church in Indianola. Burial will follow in the Liberty Center Cemetery, Liberty Center. Visitation will be held 9 to 10:30 a.m., prior to service at the church.  Memorial contributions may be made in Gilbert's memory to the Palliative Care/Hospice General Fund (GPF 3650) for the continued care of Veterans and their families within the Hospice Program.