ROBERT BEARS

ROBERT BEARS Robert (Bob) LeRoy Bears, 96, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. Bob was born April 28, 1929, in Clearmont, Missouri. He graduated from Maitland High School in 1947. In 1949, he joined the U.S. Army and spent time in Japan and Korea. In October 1951, he volunteered to be one of the observers of the detonation of a nuclear test A-bomb at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada. The soldiers were instructed to turn and fully face the mushroom cloud. After the explosion, they were then allowed to view the aftermath up close, for 30 minutes to an hour, before returning back to their base. He left the military as a Sergeant from the 6th Armored Division, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in 1952. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Bronze Star, and five Bronze Camp Stars. He was employed at Ford Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Missouri, for over 30 years in order to provide for his large family. Throughout Bob's life he showed great compassion towards people and God's creatures, alike. He enjoyed the outdoors, birding, camping, and the company of his many grandchildren and family members. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary (Lopez) Bears of 57 years; his daughter, Angela Stoufer; his father, Lyman LeRoy Bears, mother, Clara (Hamilton) Roberts, and step-father, Cary Roberts; grandchildren, Joshua Pritchett, Brian Kramel, Stephanie Floyd; brothers, William Bears and Eldon Bears, and sisters, Marvis Bears Slagle, and Alice Roberts Green. Bob is survived by sons; Vince (Darlene) and John; his daughters; Maria Bears, Veronica Love, Cynthia (Gary) McEvoy, Kathryn Bears, Paula Bears (Kirk Kinnell), Sheila Bears, Barbara (Eli) Durante, Martha Bears, Patricia (Ralph) Hernandez and Nicole Bears (Chris Rooklidge), as well as over 70 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Bruce (Anna) Roberts, Leon (Pam) Roberts, Darwin (Carol) Bears, and sister Bettie Bears (Wendell) Skelton. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the One Community Hospice team, especially Nurses Michelle L. and Stephanie and CNA, Jannette. Bob also appreciated the kindness he received from Nurses Joe and Mike from Phoenix Home Healthcare. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, June 30, 2025, at St. James Catholic Church, where he was a member for over 50 years, 309 S. Stewart Road, Liberty, Missouri. A gathering of friends and family will be at the church from 9:00 a.m.- 10:15 a.m. with the rosary recitation at 10:15 a.m. Interment will follow at the Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Annunciation House, 1003 E. San Antonio Ave., El Paso, Texas 79901-2620, www.annunciationhouse.org, or the Redemptorist Social Services, 207 Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111. Fond memories and condolences for the family may be left at www.churcharcherpasley.com. (Arr.: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Church-Archer-Pasley Funeral Home, 119 E. Franklin St., Liberty, Missouri, 64068)