Jerry Donovan Sears

1941 - 2018

Jerry Donovan Sears

Born: January 11, 1941; in Table Grove, IL

Died: December 9, 2018; in Morris, IL

Jerry Donovan Sears, 77, of Seneca, passed away Sunday, December 9, 2018, at Morris Hospital.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Seneca Fire Department. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Seals- Campbell Funeral Home. Burial will be private in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

He was born January 11, 1941, in Table Grove, IL, to Gerald and Yvonne (Worley) Sears. In 1964, he married Lu-Ella Stuart of Rock Island who survives.

Jerry graduated in 1958 from VIT High School. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne Division. He was employed by Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Ameritech, and AT&T until his retirement. After his retirement, he worked in security at Chicago Land Speedway. In 1973, Jerry joined the Seneca Fire Department and served as a fireman, paramedic, and became chief in 1984, serving until 2017. From 1977-2009, he was an officer with the Seneca Police Department.

He was a train and railway enthusiast, especially brass HO scale. He loved 1/24 NASCARs and was a diehard NASCAR fan. Jerry was a beautiful artist. His passion for riding his Harley took him across many miles and places.

Jerry is survived by his wife Lu-Ella; two daughters, Jessica Sears (Richard) Kraemer of Greendale, WI and Natalie (Francis IV) Wiza of Seneca; two grandchildren, Donovan Sampson and Wesley Saferite III; two great-grandchildren, Kylie Kofoid, and Francis Wiza V; and one sister, Connie Ford of Counce, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Clyde Clemens and Ronald Sears.