1948
2017
Gary A. Stear, 68, of Bartonville, Illinois passed away Saturday, July 1, 2017 in Bartonville. He was born on December 21, 1948 in Peoria, Illinois to Orville and Bernice (Gomes) Stear. He married Debra D. Smith on July 27, 1974 in Bartonville, Illinois. She survives.
He is also survived by two children, Michelle (Josh) Otten of Bartonville and Rusty Stear of Mapleton, Illinois; five grandchildren, Alyssa, Zach, Tate Otten and Cooper, Avery Stear; two brothers, Dennis (Kay) Stear of Pekin and James (Mary) Stear of Norwood. He has several nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jack Stear.
Gary worked 37 years at Caterpillar Inc. retiring in 2011. He has been working part time for the Hollis Park District at the Tuscarora Park. He also enjoyed helping out at the family business, Vintique Antique Shop in East Peoria.
He was a Navy Veteran of the Viet Nam Conflict. He was a member of the Bartonville American Legion Post #974 and the Hiram Walker Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Rusty. Gary also enjoyed following his grandchildren in their sporting and school activities. He also coached Little League and Girls Softball Team in the Bartonville area for many years.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 am Friday, July 7, 2017 at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Rev. Jack Thompson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5pm until 7pm Thursday at the funeral chapel. Cremation rites will follow services. Memorials may be made to the Colton Underwood Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel.
July 7, 2017
Pam and Mike Showalter
Debbie and family, heaven got another angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
July 6, 2017
JONES
Deb,Rusty,Michelle and entire family so sorry to hear about Gary. He was one of a kind always had a quick smile and could make me laugh. He was a family man....that was his heart. He was a good guy and will be greatly missed.Prayers for all....so tough to say goodbye....but he will always be with you. I will not be there for services I am out of town fishing with my family and will be thinking of you all as I fish...Gary would have thought that fitting.Love and hugs. Deb Jones
July 6, 2017
I am a childhood friend of the Stear family - Shelley Brooks. So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. God bless.
Shelley Brooks
July 6, 2017
Debbie & Tom Otten
Deb, Michelle, Rusty and his pride and joy his grandkids!! So sorry to hear about Gary's passing! He was the best and will be missed!! Prayers for this difficult time ahead. So many great memories to cherish!!
July 6, 2017
So sorry to hear of Gary'said passing. Prayers for your entire family.
July 6, 2017
Kim Sparks (Turner)
Gary was such a wonderful man and will be missed. Many great childhood memories where he opened his heart to a bunch of crazy hormonal girls, year after year, with a smile on his face. Unfortunately I cannot be there to pay my respect as I am out of town. Michelle, Debbie & Rusty, you will be in my prayers.
July 4, 2017
Kathy Beal
So sorry to hear about Gary's passing. My prayers go out to you, Deb, and Michelle and Rusty at this difficult time.
July 4, 2017
Pam and Rusty Segal
Deb so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. My prayers are with your whole family during this difficult time. Thinking of you.
July 3, 2017
Rob Mullens
Gary was a good man and will be missed. So sorry for your loss Debbie, Michelle and Rusty.
July 3, 2017
Kevin Behrens
Debbie, Michelle, Rusty,
So sorry to hear about Gary, your family is in my prayers.
July 2, 2017
Debbie & family, So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time. We will be out of town this week, so we will not be able to show our respects to Gary, but will be thinking of you!
Jim & Mary Shryock
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Jul
6
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607-1748
Jul
7
10:30 a.m.
Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607-1748
Funeral services provided by:
Davison-Fulton/Bartonville Chapel1203 West Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL 61607-1748
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more