Clay V. Spear

Clay V. Spear (c. 1914 – May 15, 1974)[1] was a justice of the Idaho Supreme Court from 1965 to 1971.

Early life, education, and military service

Born in Anaconda, Montana,[1] Spear graduated from the University of Idaho,[1] and received his J.D. from the University of Idaho 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

Spear was appointed as a district judge in 1953,[1] and elevated to the Idaho Supreme Court by Governor Robert E. Smylie in 1965, taking office on January 2, 1966.[1][3] A resident of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, 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]

Death

Spear "was found dead of a shotgun wound at his home", in an apparent suicide at the age of 60.[1]

References
  1. "Ex-Supreme Court Justice In Idaho Takes Own Life?", The Ogden Standard-Examiner (May 17, 1974), p. 8.
  2. "Lawyer Chosen Head of V.F.W.", The Spokesman-Review (October 13, 1946), p. 12.
  3. "Judgeship Rites Set for Monday", Idaho Free Press (December 31, 1965), p. 3.
  4. "Boise Attorney Robert Bakes To Take Supreme Court Seat", Idaho State Journal (December 23, 1971), p. 2.
  5. "Court Ceremony Slated Thursday", Spokane Chronicle (December 25, 1971), p. 5.


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