Charles Lear

CHARLES LEAR 1932 - 2011 Charles R. "Charlie" Lear "Charlie", 78, passed away Feb. 12, 2011, at the Good Samaritan Society in Prescott, Ariz. Charlie was born April 28, 1932 to R.G. "Buck" Lear and Thelma M. Lear in Harper County, Kan. Charlie grew up on a farm in Waldron, Kan., where he developed strong work ethic and moral values he would carry with him throughout his life. He attended and graduated from Anthony High School in 1950. At age 20, Charlie began service to his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After getting out of the Army, he met Mary Jean Fuller and they were married in 1956. Together they raised two sons, Charles B. Lear and Robert B. Lear. Shortly after being married, they moved to California, where Charlie worked delivering bread and dairy products. It was during this time that he developed an entrepreneurial interest and obtained his license so he could begin investing in real estate. In 1968, they moved to Las Vegas, and purchased their first trailer park. This was the beginning of a 34-year career as a business man investing and managing several properties and investments in Las Vegas. While Charlie moved away from Kansas as a young man, he was always a farmer at heart. In 1978, he and his brother, Jim Lear purchased and ran Jones Fertilizer in Wakita, Okla., and Anthony, Kansas. He also continued to purchase and own farm land throughout his life. In 2003, Charlie retired and along with his longtime companion, Susan Sawyer moved to Prescott, Ariz. Charlie was not the type to sit around and shortly after moving to Prescott began investing and developing real estate. Charlie was a very caring, humble and charitable man who always put the needs of his family, friends and others in front of his own. He served as a strong confidant and friend too many through out his life. He was always available to talk, listen and help out in anyway possible. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Jimmie L. Lear. Left to cherish his memory is Susan Sawyer of Prescott, Charles B. Lear and wife, Kelly P. Lear of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Robert B. Lear of Dawsonville, Ga.; grandchildren, Kyle A. Lear of Lawrenceville, and Robert C. Lear, Kayla M. Lear and Taylor N. Lear of Roswell, Ga.; and, sister, Benida L. Fox of Anthony, Kan.; and many other family and friends. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St.. Anthony, KS 67003, (620) 842-5142. Graveside services will directly follow in Forest Park Cemetery. Memorials may be given in memory of Charles R. Lear to the Good Samaritan Society and can be sent in care of to the funeral home.