Daniel Lee Sears

1935 - 2017

Daniel Lee Sears

Des Moines - Daniel Lee Sears was born July 27, 1935 in Leon, IA, the youngest of three sons of Harold and Elsie (Parmer) Sears. Dan passed away Saturday evening peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was a proud southsider and took pleasure in living within a 3 mile radius of his childhood home.

Dan lived a full and complete life. He started his career by serving as a Crew Chief in the Iowa Air National Guard 132nd Fighter Wing and Chief Quality Control Inspector for Delavan Manufacturing. During this time, he was elected President of the Delavan Manufacturing Credit Union. Dan went on to be a bodily injury Claims Adjuster for Continental Western and a law student at Drake University. He was then promoted to President of Continental Western Leasing, Continental Marine and Continental Finance companies before starting his own Health and Life Insurance Agency from which he retired in 1995.

Dan pleasured in taking care of his parents and indulging his children with vacations, years at the lake, boating, snowmobiling, motor cycle trips and cars. He loved to laugh and fully enjoyed celebrating life's many adventures.

In 1982 he married Debbie on Top of Pikes Peak mountain, his theory was it was as close as he could get to God. During their 35 years of marriage they worked together in their agency, were blessed with their daughter Kendra, traveled and cruised the world enjoying life's best. Every summer Dan and Debbie vacationed to Manitou Springs to celebrate their anniversary and daughters birthday, with his in laws and Kendra. Dan's fondest memories were cooking for and hosting his family and friends in his home.

Dan over came several life threatening health challenges with a deep faith and strong will. His latest joys were welcoming and playing with his newest grandchildren, Johnny and Rose Marshall. Dan will be remembered for his laughter, big heart, and generosity to many.

Dan is a member of South Gate Masonic Lodge #657, Scottish Rite, Za Ga Zig Shrine and Royal Order of Jesters.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Debbie, his 5 children Carla (Mike McLuen), Dan (Mary), Tim (Carrie), Shelley (Mark Stites), and Kendra (John Marshall Jr.), 13 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and many extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and both brothers; Reg and Gary.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7pm on Wednesday, November 29th at Dunn's Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 10am Thursday, November 30th also at Dunn's Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children or MD Anderson Cancer Center.