Norman “Norm” Lee Spears, of Owensboro, passed away on October 30, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway in Newburgh, Indiana. Born in Louisville, on October 3, 1959, to Joseph D. Spears Jr. and Shirley Ann Spears, Norm grew up with three brothers and three sisters.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph D. Spears III and Richard Eugene Spears; and a sister, Christine Hendricks.
Norm is survived by his wife, Dana Spears; children, Anthony Derek Brown (Sharron), Windifer L. Owens (Marty), Joseph D. Spears IV, and Joshua Lee Spears. Norm was blessed with 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, each one knowing him as Peepaw and each one holding a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his brother, Bobby Spears of Jeffersonville, IN; sisters, Mary Payne (Tom), Cathy Conrey, Linda Dukes, and his self-proclaimed “sister from another mister,” cherished and claimed in spirit and in life. Throughout his life, he guided and cared for many he loved “like family”.
Norm worked a variety of jobs as a young man before finding his place in the trucking industry. He learned the ropes dispatching steel haulers and eventually drove trucks himself. He left his mark in the industry, earning the respect of drivers, dispatchers, and carriers alike. Norm never met a stranger he wouldn’t talk to or help, and if you worked with him, you probably ended up as a friend whether you expected to or not. He worked hard to build a life for others and found purpose in helping people through their troubles, sometimes with advice, sometimes with a solution, and sometimes with one of those outrageous ideas that somehow always worked. He believed problems were meant to be solved, and he had enough stubborn determination to make sure they were.
Outside of work, Norm loved being connected, and if your phone rang at 2 a.m., you knew who it was. His favorite hobby was “being in the know,” and he could talk for hours about anything, everything, and things most people never even thought about. He cherished sentimental things and the memories behind them, and he believed in the importance of keeping stories alive. He loved cooking family meals and never let anyone leave hungry; if you needed a plate, a place to sleep, or someone to talk to, his home was always open.
Above all else, family was his proudest accomplishment. Norm bragged about his kids every chance he got and believed deeply in showing up for the people he loved. His sense of humor ranged from innocent to wildly inappropriate, often leaving others laughing or scratching their heads wondering what had just happened. He lived by a simple truth: If there’s a will, there’s a way, and if not, he’d make one, because it’s not over until it’s over. Stubborn in the best way, sentimental to his core, sharp enough to talk his way through anything, and loyal beyond measure. Norm lived big, loved fiercely, and always showed up when it mattered.
A celebration of life will be held November 16, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Party Space Place, 5010 Wildcat Way, Owensboro, KY.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Windy Owens, 8430 Winkler Mount Zion Road, Lewisport, KY 42351.