Services planned Tuesday for former state lawmaker

Monday, May 31st 2004, 5:18 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Services are planned this week for a former state lawmaker who helped push for the construction of the Broadway Extension in Oklahoma City and the development of the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

C.H. Spearman Jr. served four terms in the Oklahoma House from 1965-1972, at one time becoming the Democratic Whip. He died Thursday at age 74 after a brief illness.

Spearman was born April 27, 1930, in Edmond, where he lived his whole life. Spearman graduated from Edmond High School and earned his bachelor's degree from Central State College. He later earned a law degree and a juris doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.

At the Statehouse, Spearman helped Central State College become Central State University. The school later changed its name to the University of Central Oklahoma.

A polio survivor, Spearman was also an advocate for for people with disabilities.

He was recently voted one of the Top 10 legislators in Oklahoma history.

Spearman is survived by his wife of 45 years, Shirley; their three children, Mark, Tina and John; as well as several grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Services are planned for 3 p.m. Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Edmond.