Errell Thomas William Orear Jr.

1944 - 2023

Errell Thomas William Orear Jr., 78, Sedalia, and formerly of High Ridge, died Monday, Jan. 9, at his home.

Tom was born in Little Rock, Ark., Nov. 15, 1944, the son of Errell T. and Elizabeth J. Orear. After graduating high school in Janesville, Wis., Tom attended Central Methodist College in Fayette, Mo., where he met his future wife, Constance Ann Heimsch. After Tom and Connie graduated from CMC with degrees in music education, they married Aug. 15, 1968. Their marriage of more than 50 years produced three children, Gregory, Melissa, and Sean and five grandchildren.

Tom dedicated his life to music, and teaching it to others, spending most of his professional career in the Northwest R-1 school district. Tom took great pride in building up the district high school's band program, especially the marching band, whether through summer band camps and practices or numerous fundraising events to provide needed funds. As a result of this dedication, the band program developed into one of the most respected and top performing units in the state. In recognition of these achievements, Tom was a member of the inaugural class of the Northwest R-1 Hall of Fame, inducted in 2014, an honor he took more pride in than he was willing to admit.

Tom is survived by his sons and their children, Gregory and Kimberly Orear, Jackson, Clara and Evelyn, of Marshall, Mn.; and Sean and Tahli Orear, Declan and Hudson, of Brisbane, Australia; a sister, Susan Weddle, of Phillips, Wis.; a brother, Jeff (Barb) Orear, of Peshtigo, Wis.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and daughter, Melissa.

Funeral services are planned for Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3:30 p.m. at Broadway Presbyterian in Sedalia. Memorials can be made to a scholarship fund (the Orear Music Scholarship) created in memory of Tom, Connie and Melissa and can be left at the church or mailed to Twin Oaks Presbyterian, 1230 Big Bend Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021.