Darrell Stear

MINIER – Darrell L. Stear, 76, of Minier, passed away Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Danville VA Hospital.
He was born on September 1, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, to Russell and Esther (Beecher) Stear. Darrell married Glenda David on July 5, 1969, in Glasford, Illinois. She preceded him in death on May 1, 2012. He then married Debra Aberle Tetrault on October 14, 2017, in Hanna City, Illinois. Darrell is also preceded in death by one brother, Larry.
Surviving are his wife, Debbie Stear of Minier; children, Troy (Tammy) Stear of Indiana, Jennifer Stear of Hanna City, Illinois and Julie Stear of Hanna City, Illinois; stepchildren, Darah (Richard) Schall of Norris, Illinois, Donya (Stephanie) Tetrault of Thawville, Illinois and Dustin (Kathy) Tetrault of Twin Bridges, Montana; and 15 grandchildren.
Darrell is a veteran of the United States Air Force having served from 1969 to 1973.
He worked Caterpillar for 35 years, retiring from the assembly line. Darrell was also an IHSA basketball referee for 28 years.
He is an accomplished trumpet player and was award a scholarship to Northern University. However, he chose to enter the Air Force instead. Darrell loved Montana, golfing, sports and eating, especially ice cream.
He served the town of Hanna City on the Park Board for four years and the Sanitation Department Board for 15 years. He was also 50+ year member of the American Legion.
To his family, Darrell is known as "PaPa Toots." He was a man who above all loved his country and the United States Air Force and served mankind. Darrell most loved to sit and visit with people one on one or host people in his home. He never knew a stranger.
His legacy is now left in the today, not in the yesterdays and the past. To us, he will be forever missed. He made a difference and the Lord has led him home. We are forever grateful to have walked beside him on his final journey.
A visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton. A graveside service will follow at 12 noon at Hirstein Cemetery in Morton, where military honors will be conducted.
Memorials may be made to Greater Peoria Honor Flight or Samaritan's Purse.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements. To leave an online condolence for the family visit www.knappjohnson.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darrell Stear, please visit our floral store.