Clay V. Spear

Clay V. Spear
Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court
In office 1965–1971
Appointed by	Robert Smylie
Preceded by	Emery T. Knudson
Succeeded by	Robert E. Bakes
Personal details
Born	(1913-01-10)January 10, 1913 Anaconda, Montana, U.S.
Died	May 15, 1974(1974-05-15) (aged 61)
Political party	Democratic
Education	University of Idaho (LLB)

Clay V. Spear (January 10, 1913 – May 15, 1974)[1] was an American attorney, and judge who served as 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 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

Spear 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

Spear "was found dead of a shotgun wound at his home", in an apparent suicide at age 61.[1][6][7]

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 Daily Chronicle. (Washington). Associated Press. December 25, 1971. p. 3.
6. "Former supreme court justice Clay V. Spear dies of wound". Lewiston Morning Tribune. (Idaho). May 16, 1974. p. 16.
7. "Clay Spear rites Monday". Spokane Daily Chronicle. (Washington). May 16, 1974. p. a5.

Political offices
Preceded by Emery T. Knudson	Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court 1965–1971	Succeeded by Robert E. Bakes