Jerrel W. Lear

August 10 2009
I am not very good at expressing myself but I want you to know what Coach Lear means to me. I was a disabled girl at Palmer High and I had konwn at the gym before that. Every year while I was at Palmer he told the boys in his class he did not want them to tease me. When I graduated in 1963 said now I can leave. What a dear man he made my life great. I will always remember him Marlene Fitzgerald

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Lear. He was a wonderful coach, example and friend during the years I was at CC and beyond. Coach provided a great experience swimming for a division III school, making sure that we were competitive but had fun. My prayers are with Coach's family, but may they be comforted by the knowledge that he touched many people throughout his life.

When I was very small I am almost certain that Coach Lear pulled me from the bottom of the shallow end of the pool @ CC and saved my life. I pulled Coach Lear out of the pool for my WSI. Me & my friend had been asked by my Dad & Coach Lear to say the pledge of alligence @ a CC football game because some how they did not have the National Anthem; I was 8, We said " I pledge of..." we began laughing @ each other... forgot the rest of the words... then ran. CC football games, swim meets and...

Dear Roberta and family, we were shocked to hear of Jerry's death. Know he had been having so many blood transfusions and he had gotten worse, but always thought he would make it some longer, but know no pain and he can rest. He has been a very good friend for so many years to so many. He will be greatly missed. You and family are in our prayers. Love, Butch & Allegra Copeland

to Roberta, Steve, Linda and Lesa,

I was so saddened to learn of Jerry's death. Coach Lear made an incredible impression on me growing up. My dad, the late Bill Walters, used to do the PA for the Tigers swimming and football teams. I spent a lot of time around the football field and swimming pool. Jerry ALWAYS made time for me. I learned to swim at his summer swimming program. He was the absolute nicest and most genuine man-a true role model. He was also the warmest and one...

Jerry Lear was a wonderful man. He lived his life the way he wanted to, He was a coach. He was a mentor to me and my brothers, he was so good to my children , teaching them to swim. He made my life good growing up. Thanks Jerry. Peace be with you and your family.We will miss you. God Bless.
Kevin FLood and Family

In a world of disposable marriages, the faithfulness of Jerry to his home and family was an example for us all. He and Roberta were true to each other all through high school and for the almost 60 years since. A wonderful human being is now with the angels.
Gretchen Roeschlaub Robertson, class of '50

To Linda Lear-Johnson and family,

May God cradle you in his arms as you transition through this very difficult time. Please know you are in our thought and prayers and we send our deepest and sincerest condolences.

Trudy Kirchner and Linda Erlanger

Dear Roberta and family;

The world has lost a great human
being. Just being around Jerry taught a person how to live. You were so kind to let my mom and me be part of your lives when we lived there in the mid 70s and then after from a distance. I have never known a more giving family.
It was great to keep up with everybody
through the correspondence I had with Jerry. He loved you all very much. Everybody - especially Steve and Josh
did such a great job...