Charles Lawrence Noel “Red” Spier, 83, of Columbia, died Dec. 24, 2023, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville. 

He was born Feb. 11, 1940, in Morrilton, Ark., the third son of the late Charles and Cleta Spier. 

Lawrence wore many hats of his devoted 54 years of married life with his wife Virginia, which therefore allowed her to attend to her commitments as head sacristan at Immaculate Conception Church.  

Lawrence enjoyed many happy hours in the woods hunting and big game hunts in Alaska while serving his country in the Army from 1963-1965 and gardening with Virginia and Denise after retiring from his meat cutting career of over 40 years. But especially highlighted were the hours spent with his grandson Alex Brown.  

Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Virginia Spier (nee Geisz), daughter Denise (Wayne) Brown and grandson Alex (Sarah) Brown, along with other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his son Brian (age 9), and all four of his brothers, Howard, Bob, Bill and Henry.  

Visitation is 9-11 a.m. Dec. 28 at Leesman Funeral Home in Columbia.  

A funeral services will follow at the funeral home with Fr. Steve Thoma and Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating.  

Interment will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Columbia.  

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude contributions to: Gibault Catholic High School for scholarships; Congregation of the Resurrection, in memory of Fr. Steve Gira or Fr. Gary Hogan; or to Our Brothers Keeper  in memory of Fr. Chris Reuter.