Emery Davis Spears, 75, of Hartshorne, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at his home.
Emery was born on September 6, 1949, in McAlester to Bert Emery and Dorothy Marie (Patterson) Spears. He retired from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and married Belinda Louise Davison on November 24, 1973, in Wilburton, Oklahoma. He was the former Executive Director of the Choctaw Nation. He enjoyed hunting, and participated in competitive shooting nationally. He taught firearms classes, hunter safety classes, and conceal carry classes. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the McAlester Scottish Rite Temple, and the Hartshorne/Haileyville Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Belinda Louise Spears; son, Scott Christopher Spears, his wife, Stacey, granddaughter, Shaylin Lemons, her husband, Preston and their son, Steele Wayne; son, George Emery Spears, his wife, Misty, and their children, Justice Emery and Hope Smiles.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Dorothy Spears; sister, Pat and her husband, Charles Curliss.
Emery had a career that spanned the country. He served native students at Eastern State College where he also served as the rodeo team sponsor. He then went to work for his tribe, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Working closely with Chief Gardner, he coordinated programs that helped Choctaw workers and communities. When Chief Gardner succumbed to cancer, Emery was asked by the Secretary of the Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, to work as Executive Director of the tribe until a new chief could be elected. Once the new chief was installed after several months, he went to work for the Department of Interior in Washington D.C. traveling and helping tribes across the United States. In order to move his family closer to extended family, he went to work in Dallas for the Department of Labor working with Native Americans. After that, he returned to his native soil of Oklahoma moving to Checotah to work at the Taft correctional facility. He then transferred to the Jackie Brannon Correctional Facility in McAlester where he was business manager. When he transferred to Probation and Parole, he continued into full stride as the chief firearms instructor for the state of Oklahoma while coordinating inmate work programs with local communities. He was certified to teach small arms, shotgun, rifle, and was trained in sniper systems as well as being a certified armorer for several firearms. He was an accomplished pistol competitor for law enforcement and ranked top three nationally on more than one occasion.
He was a consummate outdoorsman, not only holding a vast wealth of knowledge and experience, but constantly learning as well. He loved fishing with family in creeks, ponds, and at dams. He loved hunting small and large game. Listening to his beloved dogs chase rabbits or raccoons was a joy. He knew the deer inside and out that roamed the country he hunted. The only joy he had that was greater than his hunt, was the joy of helping others learn the craft and be successful (especially children in his family).
He was fiercely loyal to family. He had an integrity that was never compromised. He was big hearted beyond measure. He was not only highly intelligent and knowledgeable; he had a wisdom that was incredible and trustworthy. Despite his high intelligence and wisdom, he was very humble and would only share to those willing to hear. He welcomed anyone into his circle that was open to him and that made them more than acquaintances. He loved his dogs, both sporting and domesticated. He loved to tell stories and hear stories from others. He enjoyed nature and his genuine fascination was infectious to others. His emotions were real and strong. His joy was especially strong and anyone near him would know it. He loved to laugh. He was unashamedly an individual who would wear, say, sing, or dance whatever he felt with confidence. His grandkids and great-grandson were the height of his love and affection and his pride for them was well known and unmatched. His love for his daughters-in-law was as strong or stronger than if they were the biological daughters he never had. Married to Belinda for over half a century, they had an adventurous relationship from the beginning that bonded and cemented their devotion and love for each other through many moves and challenges.
Although his physical condition somewhat isolated him and restricted his public presence for nearly two decades, his impact on the lives of others spanned hundreds, if not thousands, across the nation and continues through his family which follow his lead of service to the community through vocation and volunteering.
Graveside services were held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Mountain Station Cemetery Pavilion with George Spears officiating.
Funeral Arrangements were made under the direction of Brumley-Mills Funeral Home in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.