Person Page - 1677

     Elsie Mae Frank and Lester Ray Bragg were divorced.² Elsie Mae Frank was born circa 1900 at Pennsylvania.³ As of April 4, 1920,her married name was Bragg.¹ She married Lester Ray Bragg, son of Frank Russell Bragg and Rhoda Alice Stephens, on April 4, 1920 at Grant Co., Indiana.¹

     Evelyn Mae Bragg was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,5 She Evelyn M. Henderson, age 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on December 14, 2017 at Millers Merry Manor in Marion. The daughter of Elsie Mae Bragg, she was born in Converse, Indiana on October 25, 1921. She was a production worker at Gen Corp for 30 years. Evelyn was a member of Hillside Wesleyan Methodist Church where she loved teaching Sunday School. Evelyn was also a talented artist and musician. Survivors include one son Michael (Marilyn) Bobo and one daughter Sondra Deeter, both of Marion, five grandchildren Angela Bobo, Aaron Bobo, Terry Deeter, Troy Deeter and Todd Deeter, several great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Two grandchildren Tony Deeter and Tracy Bobo preceded her in death. Graveside services will be held at 1 o'clock p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2017 at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, 1606 West 26th Street, Marion.⁴ Her married name was Henderson.⁴ She and Robert Roy Bobo were divorced.⁶ Evelyn Mae Bragg married Unknown Henderson.⁴ Evelyn Mae Bragg was born on October 25, 1921 at Converse, Grant Co., Indiana.^1,2,4 As of August 7, 1939,her married name was Bobo.² She married Robert Roy Bobo on August 7, 1939 at Indiana.² Evelyn Mae Bragg died on December 14, 2017 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 96.⁴

     William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. was buried at Estates of Serenity, 1101 South Lincoln Blvd., Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^8,9 He was born on March 11, 1888 at Grant Co., Indiana.^3,8 He married Minnie Ellen Bragg, daughter of Frank Russell Bragg and Rhoda Alice Stephens, on January 22, 1910 at Grant Co., Indiana.^2,6 William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. and Minnie Ellen Bragg were divorced in August, 1941.⁷ William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. died on November 17, 1957 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 69.⁸ He William L. Gear, 70, 1002 N. Branson St., died at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Marion General Hospital, where he was a patient for five days. He had been ill for 11 years. Born in Grant County, Mr. Gear spent his life in this community. He was a carpenter, and he was last employed at the Marion Malleable Iron Works. He attended Faith Mission Chapel. The body was taken to 814 s. Adams St., where it will remain until 1 p.m. Wednesday. At that time it will be removed to the Faith Chapel, where rites will be conducted at 2 p.m. The Rev. Clara Scott will be in charge and burial will be in IOOF Cemetery. Survivors include the widow, Lena; four daughters, Mrs. Earlville Harris, Parker and Mrs. Lucile Stephens and Mrs. Mildred McKinney, Marion; three sons, William R., Leonard L., and Howard M., all of Marion; one brother, George W., Long Beach, Calif; two sisters, Mrs. Ella Haynes, Landess, and Mrs. Millie Batchelor, Marion; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. on November 18, 1957.⁸

     Russell Earl Gear was buried at Estates of Serenity, 1101 South Lincoln Blvd., Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,5,6 He was born on October 23, 1910 at Grant Co., Indiana.⁶ He married Norma G. Pope on August 16, 1929 at Grant Co., Indiana.⁷ Russell Earl Gear died on June 13, 1933 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 22.⁶ He Russell Earl Gear, 23, died early today at his home 1304 South Maple street. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Nazarene church and will be in charge of Rev. Fred Wright. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. cemetery. He is survived by his widow, Norma; two-months-old daughter; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Gear; four sisters, Mrs. Earl Brookshire and Mary Alice, Lucille and Mildred at home and four brothers, William, Kenneth, Leonard and Howard Gear. on June 18, 1933.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 309-05-2741.⁶ Irene Mae Gear was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,5,7 She was born on December 14, 1913 at Grant Co., Indiana.^4,6,5 As of August 7, 1930,her married name was Brookshire.⁷ She married Earl Manlove Brookshire on August 7, 1930.^4,8,9,7 Irene Mae Gear died on October 19, 1999 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 85.^4,6,5 She Irene Mae Brookshire, 85, 505 N. Bradner Ave., died at 6:50 a.m. Tuesday in Bradner Village Health Care Center. She was born in Grant County to the late William and Minnie (Bragg) Gear. She owned Brookshire cleaners, Converse, until 1973. She was a member of Converse United Methodist Church, Xenia Home Economics Club, Pythian Sisters, Rebekahs, Dorcas Circle, and United Methodist Women. She was past president of the Converse Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include a daughter, Gladys Smith, Urbana, Ill; two brothers, William and Leonard Gear, both of Marion; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; a daughter, Marguerite Chaplin; four sisters; and three brothers. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Larrison-Martin Duncan Funeral Home, 308 E. Marion St., Converse, with the Rev. Steven McPeek officiating. Burial will be in Grant Memorial Park cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. on October 21, 1999.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 314-10-8854.⁸ Mary Alice Gear was buried at Tomlinson Cemetery, Muncie, Delaware Co., Indiana.^5,7,9 She was born on August 20, 1917 at Sims, Grant Co., Indiana.^8,5,6,7 As of before 1940,her married name was Shane.¹⁰ She married Merrill Monte Shane before 1940.^6,10 As of circa 1948,her married name was Gardner.⁶ Mary Alice Gear married Unknown Gardner circa 1948.⁶ As of circa 1950,her married name was Harris.¹¹ Mary Alice Gear married Orville M. Francis Harris circa 1950.^12,11,7 Mary Alice Gear died on August 1, 1994 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 76.^8,5,7 She Mary Alice Harris, 76, 2023 W. Euclid Ave., Marion, died at 6:37 p.m. Monday in Marion General Hospital. Mrs. Harris was born in Sims. She lived in Muncie for seven years before moving to Parker City in 1956. She lived there 30 years before moving to Marion in 1986. She was a homemaker and had been working from her home as a seamstress. She was formerly active in friends Church Ladies Auxiliary, and was a former Cub Scout den mother in Parker City. She also formerly attended the Parker City Friends Church. Survivors include her son, Earl L., Marion; two brothers, William Gear, Jr., Marion and Leonard Gear, Gas City; and a sister, Irene Brookshire, Converse. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Needham-Storer Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, with the Rev. Marion Creech officiating. Burial will be in the Tomlinson Cemetery, Muncie, with graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. on August 3, 1994.⁵

     Her Social Security Number was 311-14-7950.⁷ Lucille Evelyn Gear was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^8,3 She was born on September 13, 1919 at Howard Co., Indiana.^7,3 As of February 27, 1937,her married name was Hiatt.⁹ She married Dale Claude Hiatt on February 27, 1937 at Grant Co., Indiana.⁹ As of January 29, 1948,her married name was Stephens.¹⁰ Lucille Evelyn Gear married James May Stephens on January 29, 1948 at Grant Co., Indiana.^11,3,10 Lucille Evelyn Gear died on November 11, 1991 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 72.^7,8,3 She Lucille Evelyn Stephens, 72, Bradner Village Health Care Center, Marion, died at 12:15 a.m. Monday in the center. Mrs. Stephens was born in Madison County and lived in Marion for 72 years. She retired as a production worker for Marion Screw Products after working there for 15 years. Survivors include two sisters, Irene Brookshire, Converse, and Mary Alice Harris, Marion; two brothers, William gear, Marion, and Leonard Gear, Gas City; and two grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Needham-Storey Funeral Service, Needhan Chapel, 814 S. Adams St., Marion with the Rev. David Schwarz officiating. Burial will be in Grant Memorial Park cemetery, Marion. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. on November 12, 1991.⁸

     William Ray "Bill" Gear Jr. was buried at Gardens of Memory, 11201 South Marion Road 35, Huntington, Huntington Co., Indiana.^2,4,5 His Social Security Number was 316-09-8951.¹⁵ He was born on May 29, 1921 at Converse, Grant Co., Indiana.^{2,15,3,4,7,16} He married Mary Ellen Kelly on June 27, 1942 at Hemlock, Howard Co., Indiana.^2,6,4 William Ray "Bill" Gear Jr. married Sylvia Lee Smith on September 17, 1984 at Grant Co., Indiana.^2,17 William Ray "Bill" Gear Jr. died on September 19, 2005 at LaFontaine, Wabash Co., Indiana, at age 84.^2,15,4,16 He William "Bill" R. Gear Jr., 84, 4656 S. Selby St., died at 8:10 a.m. Monday in Rolling Meadows Health Care Center, LaFontaine. He was born in Converse to the late William & Minnie (Bragg) Gear, Sr. He married Mary Ellen Kelly on June 27, 1942. She died Dec. 27, 1981. He then married Sylvia L. (Smith) Lyons on Sept. 17, 1984. She survives. He retired from Dana Corp. in 1978 after 30 years. He was an active member of Christian Bible Church. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Additional survivors include daughter, Janice Oliver, Marion; son, Donald R. (Miriam) Gear, Rossford, Ohio; stepchildren, Marcie (Donald) Beckman, LaFontaine, Donna (Harry) Ritter and Tom (Amanda) Lyons, both of Marion; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by a stepson, Wendell Lyons; and nine brothers and sisters. Services are at 1 p.m. Thursday in Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., with the Rev. Charles Hurd officiating. Burial with military rites is in Gardens of Memory cemetery, Huntington County. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com. Memorials may be made to Christian Bible Church, 2927 Monroe Pike, Marion, Ind. 46952. on September 20, 2005.²

     Kenneth Edward Gear was buried at Estates of Serenity, 1101 South Lincoln Blvd., Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^5,7 He married Mary Pearl Bridenthal.⁹ Kenneth Edward Gear was born on June 27, 1922 at Madison Co., Indiana.^5,6 He Marion, Ind., Jan 10 - Kenneth Edward Gear, 26, was killed today when his automobile was hit by a west bound Pennsylvania railroad freight train near his home. His widow survives. on January 10, 1949.⁴ He died on January 10, 1949 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 26.^4,5

     Mildred Ellen Gear was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^6,10 She was born on March 30, 1925 at Sims Township, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,5,6 As of June 27, 1948,her married name was McKinney.⁷ She married John Davis McKinney on June 27, 1948 at Grant Co., Indiana.^4,6,7 Mildred Ellen Gear died on December 5, 1970 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 45.^4,6 She Mrs. Mildred E. McKinney, 45, 1614 W. Nelson St., was dead on arrival at Marion General Hospital at 2:40 a.m. Saturday. A native of Sims she had resided most of her life in this community. She was a former employee of Osborn-Midwest Paper Co. Survivors are the husband, John D; one son, Harold, Marion; three brothers, William, Leonard and Howard Gear, all of Marion; three sisters, Mrs. Earl (Irene) Brookshire, Converse, Mrs. Orville (Mary Alice) Harris, Parker, Ind., and Mrs. James (Lucille) Stephens, Marion, and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Needham and Son Funeral Home, 814 S. Adams St., with the Rev. Glenn Cockrell in charge. Burial will be in Grant Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home for 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and Monday. on December 6, 1970.⁴

     Leonard Leon Gear was buried at Park Cemetery, Fairmount, Grant Co., Indiana.^2,3,10 His Social Security Number was 316-22-4405.¹¹ He was born on February 16, 1927 at Converse, Grant Co., Indiana.^2,11,3,10 He married Olive Jo Pace on March 21, 1948.^2,3,10,12 Leonard Leon Gear died on October 28, 2004 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 77.^2,11,3,10 He Leonard L. Gear, 77, Marion, died at 9 p.m. Thursday in his residence. He was born in Converse to the late William and Minne E. (Bragg) Gear and was a lifelong resident of Marion. He married Olive "Jo" Pace on March 21, 1948. She survives. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and a Navy veteran of World War II. He was employed at Greenline Manufacturing for 27 years and at Lindley Box for 17 years. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and had a wonderful sense of humor. Additional survivors include his daughters, Rita (Dan) Bilby, Marion, and Karen Dickens, Warsaw; a brother, William "Bill" (Sylvia) Gear, Marion; grandchildren, Steven Bilby, Marion, Matthew (Tina) Bilby, Noblesville, Jason Miller, Louisville, Ky., and Jennifer Miller, Warsaw; and great-grandchildren, Tyler and Kyle Bilby, and Aylssa and Austin Farmer. He also was preceded in death by brothers, Russell, Kenneth and Howard Gear; and sisters, Katherine Gear, Irene Brookshire, Mary Alice Harris, Lucille Stephens and Mildred McKinney. Services are at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., with the Rev. Donald Reed officiating. Burial with military rites is in Park Cemetery, Fairmount. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, 205 S. Washington St., Marion, Ind. 46952. on October 31, 2004.²

     His Social Security Number was 310-24-8806.¹³ Howard Manlove Gear was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^14,5,10 He and Alice Marie Johnson were divorced.¹⁰ Howard Manlove Gear was born on June 4, 1929 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^13,14,6,7,10 He married Alice Marie Johnson on June 9, 1958 at Grant Co., Indiana.⁹ Howard Manlove Gear married Alice Marie Johnson on February 19, 1966 at Indianapolis, Marion Co., Indiana.⁸ Howard Manlove Gear married Beverly Mae Blankenship on July 3, 1972 at Muncie, Delaware Co., Indiana.^8,10 Howard Manlove Gear died on November 13, 1977 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 48.¹⁰ He Howard M. Gear, 48, Elkhart, died at 11:10 a.m. Sunday at the Spencer Hotel. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Grant County coroner said. Mr. Gear was born in Marion and lived most of his life in the Marion area. He had lived in Elkhart the past 4 years, where he was an employee of the Stevens Spraying Co., Elkhart. He is survived by his wife Beverly; 1 son Kevin, Gas City; 1 daughter, Mrs. Sarah Jacobs, Gas City; 1 stepson, William Veler, Lafayette, 2 stepdaughters, June Veler, Lafayette and Mrs. Lori Maldanaido, Elkhart; 2 brothers, William R. Gear and Leonard L. Gear, Marion; 3 sisters, Mrs. James (Lucille) Stephens, Marion, Mrs. Earl (Irene) Brookshire, Converse, and Mrs. Orville (Mary Alice) Harris, Parker, and 1 grandchild. Funeral services will be at 10;30 a.m. Wednesday in the Needham & Son Funeral Home, 814 S. Adams St., Marion, with the Rev. Dale Vest officiating. Burial will be in Grant Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today. on November 15, 1977.¹⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 308-12-4682.⁴ Mary Ellen Kelly was buried at Gardens of Memory, 11201 South Marion Road 35, Huntington, Huntington Co., Indiana.^5,6,3 She was born on December 10, 1920.⁴ As of June 27, 1942,her married name was Gear.¹ She married William Ray "Bill" Gear Jr., son of William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. and Minnie Ellen Bragg, on June 27, 1942 at Hemlock, Howard Co., Indiana.^1,2,3 Mary Ellen Kelly died on December 27, 1981 at Wabash, Wabash Co., Indiana, at age 61.^1,3

     Her Social Security Number was 306-20-6699.³ Sylvia Lee Smith was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.² She was born on February 20, 1923 at Sandy Hook, Elliott Co., Kentucky.^3,2 As of September 17, 1984,her married name was Gear.¹ She married William Ray "Bill" Gear Jr., son of William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. and Minnie Ellen Bragg, on September 17, 1984 at Grant Co., Indiana.^1,4 Sylvia Lee Smith died on November 8, 2008 at LaFontaine, Wabash Co., Indiana, at age 85.^3,2

     Her Social Security Number was 313-54-5440.⁴ Janice Sue Gear was born on May 2, 1951 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^5,2,4 As of January 6, 1968,her married name was Oliver.³ She married Kenneth William Oliver on January 6, 1968 at Grant Co., Indiana.³ Janice Sue Gear died on January 5, 2009 at Florence, Boone Co., Kentucky, at age 57.^5,2,4 She Janice S. Oliver, 57, Marion, died at 8:30 a.m. Monday in her daughter’s residence in Florence, Ky. She was born in Marion to the late William and Mary (Kelly) Gear. She earned two associate degrees from Ivy Tech, where she was employed for 18 years as an Administrative Assistant and Receptionist. She also worked at Cracker Barrel for 10 years. Services are at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, with Dr. Stephen Manley officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Survivors include daughters, Rhonda (Shayne) Keel, Claypool, Rashell (Michael) Wall-Duggins, Florence, Ky; brother, Donald (Miriam) Gear, Ada, Ohio; grandchildren, Kayla, Rodd, Tyland, Alexis, Kandis, and Kadance; great-granddaughter, Kami. She was preceded in death by parents and stepmother, Sylvia Gear. Memorials may be directed to Cancer Services of Grant County, Tower Suites, 305 S. Norton Ave., Marion, IN 46952. Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.
on January 7, 2009.²

     Donald Raymond Gear Donald R. Gear, 66, passed away on November 15, 2020 in Lima, OH. He was born on March 10, 1954 in Marion, IN to William and Mary Ellen (Kelly) Gear.⁴ He was born on March 10, 1954 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,5 He married Miriam Anwar Kazmi on June 27, 1995 at Lucas Co., Ohio.² Donald Raymond Gear died on November 15, 2020 at Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, at age 66.⁴

     Norma Jean Gear was buried at Estates of Serenity, 1101 South Lincoln Blvd., Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,2 She was born on February 17, 1930 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.² She died on April 27, 1930 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.²

     Olive Jo Pace Olive Jo Gear, 91, Marion, passed away at 9:32 pm on Monday, July 6, 2020, at Colonial Oaks Health & Rehabilitation Center in Marion. She was born in Fairmount on Saturday, April 20, 1929, to Furmant "Ted" and Ruth (Mayfield) Pace. On March 21, 1948, she married Leonard Gear, and he preceded her in death. Olive Jo was a homemaker and faithfully served her husband and family. She loved to make quilts, work on puzzles, and play cards, especially Euchre. She also liked crocheting, rocks, flowers, angels, and ladybugs, was an avid reader, and had a place at the lake. She definitely loved the "lake life". She dearly loved her family and to spend time with them. Olive was a member at Trinity United Methodist Church. Survivors include her daughter, Karen Dickens of Marion; grandsons, Steven Bilby of Marion and Matt (Tina) Bilby of Noblesville; granddaughter, Jennifer Miller of Warsaw; great-grandsons, Tyler Bilby, Kyle Bilby, and Austin Brower; great-granddaughter, Alyssa Tate; and son-in-law, Dan Bilby of Marion. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Rita Bilby; grandson, Jason Miller; two brothers, Donald D. Pace and Phillip Pace; and two sisters, Margaret Pace and Shirley Stratton. The family will receive visitors from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm on Monday, July 13, 2020, at Integrity Funeral Care, 2901 S. Washington St., Marion, IN. Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Olive's life will begin at 1:00 pm. Chaplain Don Miller will be officiating with burial taking place at Park Cemetery.³ She was buried at Park Cemetery, Fairmount, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,3 She was born on April 20, 1929 at Fairmount, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,3 As of March 21, 1948,her married name was Gear.¹ She married Leonard Leon Gear, son of William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. and Minnie Ellen Bragg, on March 21, 1948.^1,2,4,3 Olive Jo Pace died on July 6, 2020 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 91.³

     Rita Kay Gear Rita K. (Gear) Bilby, 69, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2018, in her Marion home. She was born in Marion to Leonard and Olive (Pace) Gear on October 3, 1948. Rita graduated from Marion High School in 1966. She worked as a teacher’s aide for Marion Community Schools for over 25 years. She enjoyed spending summers at Yellow Creek Lake, doing crafts and anything that involved her grandsons’ sports activities. Rita is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Dan Bilby, Marion; sons, Steve Bilby, Marion, and Matthew (Tina) Bilby, Noblesville; dog, Princess; mother, Olive Gear, Marion; sister, Karen Dickens, Marion; grandsons, Tyler and Kyle Bilby (her sunshines), both from Noblesville; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and best friends for over 50 years, Sue (Dale) Strausbaugh and Sandie (Butch) Briggs. She was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Gear, and nephew, Jason Miller. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Rita’s funeral service will take place on Friday, August 3, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Don Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Grant Memorial Park, Marion.³ She was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.³ She was born on October 3, 1948 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^3,4 As of November 12, 1966,her married name was Bilby.⁵ She married Dan Thomas Bilby on November 12, 1966 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^1,3,5 Rita Kay Gear died on July 27, 2018 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 69.³