CUSHING — Kenneth Nelson Spear, Sr., of Cushing, Maine, devoted husband, loving father, and grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, October 9, 2026. Ken was born in Damariscotta, Maine on August 4, 1946, to parents Kenneth E. and Bernice Spear. 

Growing up in mid-coast Maine grew his love for the sea as he harvested clams and lobsters in the St. George River.

He met the “love of his life”, Patricia E. Spear, in 1963 as a sophomore at Georges Valley High School. One of her fondest memories is him flicking the bobby pins out of her hair with his pencil while he sat behind her in English class. The high-school sweethearts graduated GVHS Class of 1965 and celebrated 60 years of marriage on September 11, 2026.

Drafted into the US Army Engineering Corps following graduation, the young couple moved to South Carolina where they began their family. Ken continued his military service for 36 years in the Maine Army National Guard, reaching the rank of E8 Master Sergeant.

Though he enjoyed his work as a foreman at Fisher Engineering, he left this position in 1985 to pursue his true passion being a commercial fisherman. He built the “F/V Patti E” and spent the rest of his career in several fisheries including lobstering and shrimping. He passed down this passion to his sons and grandchildren, who have spent countless hours building lobster boats and hauling traps with him.

In 1988, Ken accepted Christ as his Savior at Calvary Baptist Church in Warren, Maine. He continued to serve in leadership positions and on building project committees for many years.

Ken lived a full life because he found it hard to sit still much, unless he was offered a game of cribbage, which he most often won. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with family, especially at their camp on Moxie Pond. “Buddy”, his beagle, was always at his side.

Ken was a man faithful to his God, his family, and his country and we treasure the gift of sharing life with him.

Ken was preceded in death by both parents; son Kevin E. Spear; brother, Albert J. Spear; grandson Daniel N. Spear; and many close friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia E. Spear of Cushing; sons and daughters-in-love Kenneth N. Spear, Jr. and Dorie Spear of Cushing, Dwayne and Dianna Spear of Brazil, Thomas and Nancy Spear of Cushing, Daren and Kim Spear of Cushing; 17 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; sister, Alberta Spear; and many extended family members. 

There will be a celebration of Ken’s life on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Calvary Baptist Church, 185 Atlantic Highway, Warren, Maine, followed by a committal service with military honors for immediate family members in Cushing, Maine.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro. To extend a condolence or share a story with the Spear family, please visit Ken’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.