Walter Moore Dear II

Walt Dear was one of the finest folks I ever knew. A genuine man-of-the-people who counseled me when I needed it, - and was always welcoming and generous to everyone. Working for him and Ron Jenkins was the highlight of my life. My condolences to his lovely family and all those friends in Henderson and Durango.

I've thought of Mr. Dear many times this past year, especially after his lovely life celebration here in Henderson and seeing his children. He left a mark on Henderson that will never fade or be forgotten. He was one in a million.

On this anniversary's of Walt Dear´s death, I recall meeting him in about 1967 when I was editor of the Brescia College newspaper, the Brescia Broadcast, which was printed at the Gleaner. When I graduated in 1970, he hired me to be editor of the Marshall Courier in Benton, Ky., that he had purchased. Two years later, he named me managing editor of the Gleaner. I thank him for his trust in me to develop a lifelong career in journalism that included newspaper work and teaching editing at the...

Walt was a force in Henderson. His charity stretched into every area of community life. He was always promoting citizenship and patriotic endeavors. His newspaper, the Gleaner, produced great copy with many talented writers. When he left Henderson, he never forgot or failed to support non-profits. I always valued both his talent and friendship.

Walt, I really need an encore performance ... and I know you´d like to give us one. :) Your life was a rare force to behold and I´m thankful for having shared a bit of it with you.

In loving memory of my former publisher, Walt Dear, in Henderson (Gleaner) and Benton (Tribune-Courier), Ky. Condolences to the family. (Photo, 1971, Benton, Ky.)

In loving memory of my former publisher, Walt Dear, in Henderson and Benton, Ky. Condolences to the family.

Dearest Walt, every time my path chanced to cross your own, I was left enriched by having bumped into you. You had such a charming predilection for asking probing questions that engendered thought and self analysis ... but that was one of your great life skills, wasn´t it, you good man? Your genuine interest in others, your native curiosity, and the sense of wonderment that you always seemed to delight in. Hale fellow, well met! It was always easy to sense your excellent influences in your...