Orvil Charley Sears Jr.

Orvil Charley Sears, Jr.

Aug. 20, 1939 - May 3, 2024

Orvil Charley Sears, Jr. was born at his grandparents' home in Elba, Idaho on August 20, 1939, the firstborn to Orvil Charley Sears, Sr. and Edris Rae Ward. His sister, Lana Rae, joined the family in 1942. Dad passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by his side on May 3, 2024. He was 84.

Dad was raised on a cattle ranch in what he liked to call God's Country. This is where he learned all about the cowboy way of life. He attended grade school in Elba and Albion and graduated from Raft River High School in 1957, the same year he became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dad was an athlete and scholar, securing himself a scholarship at the University of Idaho to play football for the Vandals. He eventually decided that football was too hard on his body and ironically believed that it interfered with his rodeo events and agenda. He graduated from U of I with a degree in Animal Science in 1961. Dad also served with the Army National Guard after his college years.

Not long after this, he met Shirley Rae Wilson. When he first saw her, she was in hot pursuit of a herd of horses that had escaped their pens and were running loose on the highway. It was love at first sight. They were married on September 7, 1963 in Lewiston, Idaho. They welcomed three children to their family, Cotton Lee, Dana Marie and Jody Ray.

Dad worked various jobs before accepting a position in Pullman at Washington State University in 1966. He was Herds Manager of both the Horse Program and cattle feeding lab before retiring in 2002. He was also a well-known Farrier and collected many friends and stories along the way.

Dad excelled inside the rodeo arena as a calf roper, team roper and bull dogger, winning several championships throughout the northwest and beyond. He claimed the Washington Rodeo Association's Team Roping title in 1969 and the coveted All-around title multiple years. He competed in the PRCA with Jody in 1985 during Dana's reign as Miss Rodeo Washington as well as many team roping events throughout his competitive years. Dad raised and trained a national champion cutting horse named Flake and can be found in the National Appaloosa Museum in Moscow, Idaho. Perhaps his favorite rodeo arena was at the family ranch in Pullman, teaching all three of his kids to ride, rope and handle animals with knowledge and care.

Dad was a storyteller and gifted writer. After retirement, he found himself in high demand as a Cowboy Poet. Reciting poetry and entertaining crowds came naturally for him which earned him "Rookie of the Year" at the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo in Utah in 2011.

The lights of his life were his kids and grandchildren and he never failed to show up for them. His presence in the stands or on the sidelines is unmatched. We could always hear his whistle of approval over the crowd, no matter the venue.

Dad is survived by his devoted wife, of more than 60 years, at their Pullman home, Shirley Rae "Sis"; his sister, Lana Rae Bowers and husband, Blair of Burley, Idaho; the three of us and his beloved grandchildren, son, Cotton Lee Sears (AnaMaria) of Pullman and children: Anna Lee Frailey (Jairo), Carolena Marie LeBaron (Dylan), Cotton Charley Sears and Samuel James Elliott Sears; daughter Dana Marie Ells (Daren) of Clarkston, Washington and children: Cedar Jade Seubert, Cutlar Steele Seubert and Stailee Rae Seubert; son, Jody Ray Sears (Molly) of Sacramento, California and children: J. Weston Ray Pancheri, Hannah Jo Lopez (Noah), John Todd "JT" Sears, Kylee Ann Sears and Charley Ray Sears; two great-grandsons: Roy Matthew Frailey and Lawson Reid Lopez; many nieces and nephews who lovingly called him Uncle Whacky, cousins and friends who called him O.C. or Obbie or Ob. He also leaves behind Jennifer Elena Taylor who grew up in our household and called him "Pop", and her sons: Lance and Jack. Dad is surely wrapped in the arms of his adoring mother and father as well as many friends and relatives who passed before him.

We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Joe and Janet Harris, Mike Lott and the nurses from Gentiva Hospice for their companionship, caring hands and commitment to keeping dad safe and comfortable. Cotton has been a constant presence and help to mom and dad the past couple of years, taking his role of big brother and leader to a new level, for which we are grateful.

A viewing was held from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, May 9, 2024 at the Pullman Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dad's funeral service was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1055 NE Orchard Drive, Pullman, Washington on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.

Please use the following Link to join the service remotely https:////zoom.us//j//95940613136 A graveside service was held at Elba Grandview Cemetery in Elba, Idaho on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow at the LDS Church in Elba.

Corbeill Funeral Home in Pullman is handling arrangements for the family. Please send condolences to www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com.

Dad, we love and miss you but know we will see you again on the other side of the veil. You're forever our hero and mom's favorite dance partner.