Person Page - 1701

     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

     Earl Manlove Brookshire was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^4,3 His Social Security Number was 312-01-8804.⁵ He was born on February 19, 1909 at Grant Co., Indiana; The SSDI has a birth date of Feb 5, 1909.^4,5,2 He married Irene Mae Gear, daughter of William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. and Minnie Ellen Bragg, on August 7, 1930.^6,4,7,3 Earl Manlove Brookshire died on January 20, 1984 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 74.⁴ He CONVERSE, Ind. - Earl M. Brookshire, 74, Converse, died at 7:28 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 1984, in Marion General Hospital, Marion. He was born Feb. 19, 1909, in Grant County, the son of Cornelius and Effie (Manlove) Brookshire. Aug. 7, 1930, he was married in Marion to Irene M. Gear, who survives. A lifelong resident of the Converse area, he was retired in 1966 from Anaconda Wire and Cable, Marion. He also had served as a business agent for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1000. Survivors include two daughters, Gladys Mae Smith and Marguerite Chaplin of Converse; three sisters, Irene Rothermel of Marion, Jessie Smith of Anderson, and Helen Stanger of Houston, Texas; 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Larrison-Martln Funeral Home in Converse with the Rev. Herschel Murray officiating. Burial will be in Grant Memorial Park, Marion. Friends may call at the mortuary from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. today. on January 22, 1984.⁴

     His Social Security Number was 307-07-3049.⁶ Orville M. Francis Harris was buried at Tomlinson Cemetery, Muncie, Delaware Co., Indiana.^2,3,4 He was born on May 25, 1905 at Anderson, Madison Co., Indiana.^3,4,5,7,6 He married Mary Alice Gear, daughter of William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. and Minnie Ellen Bragg, circa 1950.^1,2,4 Orville M. Francis Harris died on January 17, 1986 at Winchester, Randolph Co., Indiana, at age 80.^2,4,7 He PARKER CITY, Ind. - Orville M. Harris, 80, R.R. 1, died Friday in his home. A native of Muncie, he was the son of Harvey and Frona Reese Harris. He grew up in the Mount Pleasant area. Mr. Harris served with the Army during World War II. He was owner-operator of the Harris Upholstery Shop at 1122 E. Main St. in Muncie for 37 years until his retirement in 1981. Surviving are his wife, Mary Alice Harris, to whom he had been married 36 years; a son, Earl Harris, Warsaw; and three sisters, Eva Moore, Jasonville, Martha Pearce, Indianapolis, and Evelyn Dragoo, Parker City. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wilbur and Raymond Harris. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday in Meeks Mortuary Chapel in Muncie with Rev. Steve Conner officiating. Burial will be in Tomlinson Cemetery south of Muncie. on January 19, 1986.²

     His Social Security Number was 312-01-9465.⁵ James May Stephens was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.¹ He was born on May 7, 1912 at LaFontaine, Wabash Co., Indiana.^5,1,2,3 He married Lucille Evelyn Gear, daughter of William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. and Minnie Ellen Bragg, on January 29, 1948 at Grant Co., Indiana.^6,1,4 James May Stephens died on October 27, 1989 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 77.^5,1

     John Davis McKinney was buried at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^2,4 His Social Security Number was 314-05-3619.⁵ He was born on November 8, 1920 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.^5,3,2 He married Mildred Ellen Gear, daughter of William Ray "Willie" Gear Sr. and Minnie Ellen Bragg, on June 27, 1948 at Grant Co., Indiana.^6,2,1 John Davis McKinney died on January 12, 2002 at Marion, Grant Co., Indiana, at age 81.^5,2

     His Social Security Number was 312-14-5838.⁶ Orville Forest Yohn Sr. was buried at Pineview Cemetery, Interlachen, Putnam Co., Florida.⁵ He was born on February 12, 1902 at Indiana.^2,6,3,5 He married Mildred Mae Bragg, daughter of Frank Russell Bragg and Rhoda Alice Stephens, on April 9, 1922 at Herbst, Grant Co., Indiana.^1,4,7,8 Orville Forest Yohn Sr. died on February 18, 1982 at Putnam Co., Florida, at age 80.^3,4,5

     Eleanor Mae Yohn was buried at South Mound Cemetery, New Castle, Henry Co., Indiana.^4,8 She was born on December 12, 1922 at Herbst, Grant Co., Indiana.^2,4,9 As of circa 1944,her married name was Donham.⁴ She married Okla DeLoss Donham Jr. circa 1944.^4,10 Eleanor Mae Yohn died on November 22, 2010 at Winchester, Randolph Co., Indiana, at age 87.^4,9 She Eleanor Mae Donham, 87, of Winchester, passed away Monday, November 22, 2010 at St. Vincent Randolph Hospital, Winchester. She was born December 9, 1922 in Herbst to Orville F. and Mildred (Bragg) Yohn, Sr. Eleanor was a graduate of Kokomo High School and a homemaker. She was a former member of Deerfield United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women‚Äôs Group. She loved visiting former churches and their congregations. She loved cooking and her grandchildren. Survivors include two sons, Orville (wife Brenda) Donham of Winchester and Robert (wife Rose) Donham of Fountain City; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Rhoda Mast and Ronnie Moyers, both of Kokomo; a sister-in-law, Eve Yohn and several nieces and nephews. Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 50 years, Okla Deloss Donham; and two brothers, Orville F. Yohn, Jr., and Tommie Yohn. Graveside services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at South Mound Cemetery, New Castle. There will be no calling hours. Walker Funeral Home, Winchester is in charge of arrangements. on November 23, 2010.⁴

     Orville Forest "Bud" Yohn Jr. was buried at Albright Cemetery, north side of Howard County Road, 250S, Kokomo, Howard Co., Indiana.^4,5 His Social Security Number was 313-14-6639.¹⁰ He was born on April 8, 1926 at Kokomo, Howard Co., Indiana.^10,2,3,4,5 He married Evelyn Jane Earlywine on December 14, 1946 at Kokomo, Howard Co., Indiana.^4,5,11 Orville Forest "Bud" Yohn Jr. died on October 8, 2004 at Kokomo, Howard Co., Indiana, at age 78.^10,4,5,11 He GREENTOWN — Orville F. "Bud" Yohn Jr., 78, Greentown died at 11:35 a.m. Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, at St Joseph Hospital, Kokomo. He was born April 8, 1926 in Kokomo, the son of the late Orville F. Yohn, and the late Mildred Bragg. On Dec. 14, 1946, in Kokomo, he married Evelyn Jane Earlywine. He was employed with Haynes Stellite for 31 years, retiring in 1980. He was a veteran, serving in the US. Army. He was a member of the Howard Lodge 93 F&AM, lifetime member of the VFW Post 1152, K.O.F.F. Club and the Mayors Advisory Senior Board. He was an avid bowler in three leagues, liked playing golf, volunteered at the Senior Citizens Center and was an avid reader, especially of history. He also was affiliated with the Faith United Methodist Church, and was a former member of the Moose Lodge. Survivors are his wife, Evelyn "Eve" Jane Yohn of Greentown; daughters, Pamela Jane Yohn, Kokomo, Angela Lynn and husband Harry Sparks, Greentown, Patricia Ann and husband Ed Catron, Noblesville, Christine Sue and husband Jeff Newton, Lowell, Margaret "Margi" Bailey and companion Pat Bookmiller, Russiaville; sisters, Eleanor Donham, Winchester, Rhoda and husband Billy Mast, Kokomo, Ronda and husband J.R Moyers, Greentown; grandchildren, Deana, Shawn, Melanie, Matthew, Marc, Jason, Patric, Jonathan, Andrew, Amber, Kyle; great-grandchildren, Scotti, Alex, Destiny, Keegen, Dominic, Braden, Korben; Madison, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jeffrey Allen Yohn; one brother, Tommy Yohn; one sister Mildred Anna Yohn. Services are 10:00 am Tuesday at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo. Pastors Jeff Newton and Evan Strong will officiate. Burial will be in Albright Cemetery Kokomo, with Kokomo Military Rites. on October 10, 2004.⁵