Obituary of John Stears

John N. Stears, III passed away on Friday, July 24, 2009 at the age of 73. He was the loving husband of Hinda (Bunny) Stears for 54 years. John was born in Springfield, MA on July 23, 1936; the son of the late John N. Stears, II and Marion E. (Smith) Stears. He resided 64 years in Connecticut before moving to the Villages in Florida. John was a U. S. Marine Veteran and a Retired Teamsters/ Local 404 driver for Consolidated Freightways. John will always be remembered by his passion for the sport of bowling. He not only was a bowler in many leagues in CT and FL, he participated at local, state, national and senior tournaments. He devoted time instructing junior bowlers and enjoyed Nascar racing with many friends and family. The past nine years, John has taken up golfing, shuffle board and bocce. He was also a member of the ROD Club (Retired Old Drivers). When not participating in competitive sports; you might have found John dressed as Santa handing out candy canes to neighbors, placing flags at the homes of his neighbors on special occasions and generously offering his time and services to anyone in need. In addition to his devoted wife, he leaves his children, Deborah Haut and her husband Doug, Mark Stears and his wife Diane, Karen Ranney and her husband David, Leslie Stears and Goldie Stears; 16 grandchildren; 5 great ~ grandchildren; two brothers, Billy and Ronnie Stears; and a sister, Marlene Bishop. He was predeceased by his son, Robert, a sister, Carol Baurele and a brother, Doug Stears. A Memorial service will be held at 11 AM Monday, August 10, 2009 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages. Inurnment will follow at Florida National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. Arrangements by Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services - The Villages, The Villages, Florida.