Clay V. Spear (January 10, 1913 – May 15, 1974)[1] was an American attorney, judge, and justice of the Idaho Supreme Court from 1965 to 1971.
Early life, education, and military service
editBorn in Anaconda, Montana,[1] Spear graduated from the University of Idaho in Moscow,[1] and received his J.D. from its College of Law in 1936. He served in the European theatre of World War II, where he "received four battle stars and a Bronze Star medal for service in the Battle of the Bulge".[1][2] In 1946, he was named head of the VFW of Coeur d'Alene.[2]
Judicial career
editSpear was appointed as a district judge in 1953,[1] and elevated to the state supreme court by Governor Robert Smylie in 1965, taking office on January 2, 1966.[1][3] A resident of Coeur d'Alene at the time, he was the only member of the court from northern Idaho.[4] Spear retired from the court in December 1971 due to poor health,[5] relocated to Lewiston in 1972, and opened a part-time law practice.[6]
Death
editSpear "was found dead of a shotgun wound at his home", in an apparent suicide at age 61.[1][6][7]
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g "Ex-Supreme Court Justice In Idaho Takes Own Life?", The Ogden Standard-Examiner (May 17, 1974), p. 8.
- ^ a b "Lawyer Chosen Head of V.F.W.", The Spokesman-Review (October 13, 1946), p. 12.
- ^ "Judgeship Rites Set for Monday", Idaho Free Press (December 31, 1965), p. 3.
- ^ "Boise Attorney Robert Bakes To Take Supreme Court Seat", Idaho State Journal (December 23, 1971), p. 2.
- ^ "Court ceremony slated Thursday". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. December 25, 1971. p. 3.
- ^ a b "Former supreme court justice Clay V. Spear dies of wound". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). May 16, 1974. p. 16.
- ^ "Clay Spear rites Monday". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). May 16, 1974. p. a5.
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