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BORN
1959
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Jonathan Mears Obituary
He began at the young age of 18 as a police officer in Parksley, Va., Onancock, Va., Accomack County Sheriff's Office, and NASA Security at Wallops Island, Va. Mr. Mears also attended God's Bible School in Cincinnati, OH. He ended his working career with almost 28 years with the Delaware Department of Corrections, retiring as a corrections captain.
Jonathan enjoyed fishing in the Bay, cooking out and spending time with his family and friends. He also loved Elvis, gospel music, iced tea and diet Mountain Dew. He was a member of Hope Lodge #4 in Laurel, as a 32nd degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, as well as the York Rite. He also served as past treasurer and secretary.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Lois Mears, and his in-laws James and Sylvia Bates.
Jonathan is survived by his wife Tonda (Bates) Mears; sons Logan and fiancé Kristina, Avery and fiancé Kristen, and Brodan and his wife Jennifer; twin brother Joseph (Donna) Mears; siblings Jeffrey Mears, Debbie Padilla, and Larry (Linda) Bradford; his grandchildren who miss their 'Poppy,' Hailey, Brayden, and Wyatt; as well as his nieces and nephews.
A funeral service was held on April 8 in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Felton. Burial will be private.
The family celebrates his life as one dedicated to his family and also to a professional career in law enforcement and security. He was a great provider and protector of his family. His heart was open to help and provide for those in need.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the church of your choosing or Felton Community Fire Company, PO Box 946, Felton, DE 19943.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jonathan Mears
Sponsored by Berry-Short Funeral Homes, Inc. - Felton Chapel.
Thomas Pritchard
March 31, 2024
Captain mears was D-best supervisor in my working life. I am now retired. I´m sure I will meet him someday in heaven.
TTP
March 31, 2021
You left too early my friend, but God know why. I love you!
Kristy Burch
March 31, 2020
Tonda, you and your family, Joey and your family, are in my prayers. Jeff I don't have a current email or address for you; therefore, I cannot reach you in any form. May we each remember good memories in our childhood. I had many good times at Uncle Joe's and Aunt Lois'. Life is short and eternity is long. May we be ready at all times to meet our Maker. In love, Kristy Burch
March 31, 2020
Dear Tonda, Avery, Logan and Brodan,
Rarely do people come into our lives that we remember so fondly even years later. That's how I feel about all of you. Tonda, you and Jon did an amazing job raising your boys. I'm so proud to have been witness to some of that process, going all the way back to Young Marines days. I remember so well, you marching the boys in for haircuts on those mornings. I have so many fond memories of Jon and the boys at work. I will never forget all of you and the impact you had on my life. May God bless you all. Thinking of you often. Sincerely, Diane Ivey
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Kristy Burch
March 31, 2019
You and your family still come to mind and are in my prayers.
Love,
Kristy
Lee Lockett
April 24, 2017
to the Mears family so sorry for your lost my thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.(revelatiuon 21:3-4).
C/O Mathis
April 8, 2017
Such a great Captain and even better man. It was an absolute pleasure to have worked with him. Rest In Paradise Capt!
Christine Burt
April 8, 2017
Tonda, my heart aches for you as you and your family go through this difficult time. Please know your friends are close by and thinking about you.
April 7, 2017
We will be praying for you folks. Jon was a very good college friend. We were room mates had some wonderful laughs. I will never forget the day the blizzard hit Cincy. Great memories. Our favorite song was "Sail On"' May God Bless.
Mark and Terri Mullins
Cinnell Tolson
April 7, 2017
Our sincerest condolences go out to the Mears Family. Logan and Kristina, you both are definitely in our thoughts and prayers.
The Tolson Family
Mali LeBron Sr
April 7, 2017
You will truly be missed Capt. We thank you for your service and dedication to us. The memories will continue to put smiles on our faces and in our hearts. My condolences to the Mears family as we learned a great deal about how much he loved you guys and how big of a heart he had. One of a kind in our business that definitely left his mark. R.I.P...
- Ofc. LeBron BWCI
K Lee
April 7, 2017
I didn't know Captain Mears personally but I currently work with his son Avery. I would like to express my sincere and deepest condolences to Avery and the entire Mears family during your time of loss. May God comfort you all as only He can and give you the strength to carry on.
Sincerely,
C/O K. Lee
Delaware DOC
Chuck Fanny
April 6, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr.Mears. I met him during a bad time in my life. He was fair and understanding Correctional Officer. He helped me and others by his kind words, advice, and respect. May God bless him and his family. Chuck Fanny
Erica Campbell
April 6, 2017
May God bless you and your family in your time of sorrow. Capt Mears was a great man. He will truly be missed.
thomas pritchard
April 6, 2017
I'm very sadden by the death of my colleague and friend captain Mears. He was extremely generous to everyone. He love people. He had the gift to inspire people. my sincere condolences to the entire family.
muggsy martelli
April 6, 2017
we lost a good family man and mason and co workers /rip capt mears
Terri Fink
April 6, 2017
Tonda,
My heart is so saddened at the news of Jon's passing! I am so sorry Tonda. I am praying that the Lord through his Spirit will give you strength now and in the days to come. I think of you often and do not have a number to contact you. Love you and all the fond memories!
Michelle Sigmon
April 6, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to the Mears family. I am saddened by Jonathans passing. I loved when he came in our office. He always had a kind word and a smile. Jonathan was my favorite patient. I will truly miss him. Love Michelle @ the dentist office.
Donna Peckinpaugh Stout
April 6, 2017
Thinking of you Tonda. Prayers for comfort and God's arms to be around you.
Sylvia Farmer
April 6, 2017
GOD bless you and your family. Only GOD knows when we are tired and want to come home.
Troy Reynolds
April 6, 2017
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Jon. I had the privilege of working with Jon at SCI for several years. He will always be remembered for his pleasant personality. God Bless the Mears Family
Zelda White Cropper
April 6, 2017
To the family of Jon Mears, you have my deepest condolences. Jon and I go back to the Accomack County and Parksley, VA days. Then we reconnected when he and my husband, Sgt. Pervone Cropper (also an Eastern Shore native) began working together for the Dept of Corrections. Jon has always been a kind and caring person. May the memories you have sustain you during this difficult time. You will continually be in our prayers.
john thorn
April 6, 2017
My condolences to the Mears family .He was an old school stand up guy.
J McCarl
April 6, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this difficult time.
~LT J McCarl.
Doreen Williams
April 6, 2017
My heart is so broken now. Prayers of strength and comfort I send to the family.
April 6, 2017
To the family of Captain Mears, I remember working in BWCI with him, he always professional. He was one of the best. He will be missed. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time. SSGT. Barbara Smith
Cindy Antal
April 6, 2017
Tonda, Logan, Avery & Brody
May God give you peace and comfort as you go through this difficult time. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
The Antal Family - Jeff, Cindy, Justin and Caitlin
Greg & Kristy Burch
April 6, 2017
Tonda and family, Greg and I were so sorry to hear about Johnny. Fond memories come to mind as children when Joey, Johnny, Uncle Joe, Aunt Lois & my parents and I lived in Bloxom, VA. Johnny was there when Greg and I got married--pitching in a hand when requested. A dear memory is when my dad died, you and Johnny purchased a ham for the meal afterwards and stopped by to let us know you cared. The last memory remembered of our families together was at the family reunion held at my brother Johnnie's house in MD. We were so glad you came. Thank God for good memories. May the Lord minister to your hearts through this time of loss. He can heal the broken and use it for His glory. We love you and are in our prayers.
P.S. I no longer have a current address for you and don't know how to contact you. Randy has my phone number.
Cindy / Bob Raiger
April 6, 2017
Oh how my heart hurts, but to know you are in the arms of the Lord does ease the pain.You will always be in my heart, my "other" brother. May God bring comfort to your family.We love you forever.
April 6, 2017
Tonda, I'm sorry to hear of Jon's passing. Sending you my love, hugs and prayers. If you need anything or just want to talk, please reach out to me. I love you dear cousin.
Charlene Webb Samples
Nicole Whitehead
April 6, 2017
My condolences to the family, nothing but fond memories of Captain Mears. May he rest in eternal peace
Ericka Snow
April 6, 2017
To the Mears family, may God comfort you at this time. Captain Mears will always be remember by the BWCI family, and respected and loved by all who came in contact with him.
Cpl. Diane Rohland
April 6, 2017
Capt. Mears was one of the best. He will be missed by many. My condolences to his family.
Barbara Costello (Kelly)
April 5, 2017
He will be missed. Will keep the memories of Jon forever.
Diane Ivey
April 5, 2017
Dear Tonda, Logan, Avery and Brodan,Please accept our deepest condolences in the passing of Jon. We were very fond of him and so proud to have known such a fine and honorable man. We have so many wonderful memories through the years of Jon, singing Elvis songs and his playful "okie-doke suarvey"! Missing him already!We will be praying for your strength as you endure this very painful heartache.With much respect and affection,Diane and Louise
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Apr
8
Calling hours
10:00 a.m.
Berry-Short Funeral Homes, Inc. - Felton Chapel217 E. Main Street, Felton, DE 19943
Apr
8
Funeral service
12:00 p.m.
Berry-Short Funeral Homes, Inc. - Felton Chapel217 E. Main Street, Felton, DE 19943
Funeral services provided by:
Berry-Short Funeral Homes, Inc. - Felton Chapel217 E. Main Street, Felton, DE 19943
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