Ken Spears, co-creator of Scooby-Doo, dies at 82

Ken Spears, co-creator of the popular cartoon "Scooby-Doo" has passed away at the age of 82.

Ken Spear's son confirmed that his father died on Friday from complications related to Lewy body dementia, reported by Variety.

"Warner Bros. Animation is saddened to learn of the passing of Ken Spears and we send our warmest thoughts to his loved ones.  He was a true innovator in the industry whose gifts of humor and storytelling continue to delight audiences.  You cannot find a screen in the world that has not played a version of Scooby-Doo.  We continue to be inspired by his work at Warner Bros. Animation and are honored to carry on the legacy of his beloved characters," Warner Bros. Animation and Cartoon Network Studios President Sam Register said in a statement.

Born on March 12, 1938, Charles Kenneth Spears grew up in Los Angeles, Calif., where he befriended the son of animation producer William Hanna.

Spears was later hired at Hanna's company, Hanna-Barbera Productions, in 1959 as a sound editor. While working in the editing department, Spears met Joe Ruby, and the two began a wonderful writing partnership by giving us memorable cartoons.

Spears co-created the 1969 animated series "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!" with Joe Ruby.

Ruby and Spears also created "Dynomutt" and "Jabberjaw" for Hanna-Barbera Productions and CBS.

The writing-producing partners later launched their own company Ruby-Spears Productions in 1977 and created a number of popular shows such as  "Fangface," "Mister T," and "Sectaurs." Ruby-Spears also produced several popular animated reboots of longtime Saturday morning favorites including "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and "Superman."