John And Jerlene Sears

John Edmond Sears, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025 in Turlock, California at the age of 88. Born in Ellsworth, Maine, John grew up with an understanding of hard work and service. At a young age his family moved to San Diego, California and John and his brother Larry went to school there. Early in his life he felt the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Over the course of 20 years of service, he rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, serving honorably as a Jet Engine Mechanic. During his years of service he spent time overseas in Korea, Thailand and Germany. John took great pride in his military service, forming lifelong friendships and cherishing the years he spent traveling and working alongside his fellow airmen.
Jerlene Faye Sears, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2020 in Sonora, California (during the Covid 19 pandemic) at the age of 79. Born in Shafter, California, Jerlene was one of five sisters and one brother. She attended schools in Shafter and Atascadero, CA. Throughout their marriage she was well known in the community for making personalized decorator cakes with her artistic talents. She was a collector and volunteered at the local thrift store. She loved her Persian cats and traveling with John to many military bases. She enjoyed spending time in the summer with her mom by the coast.
John's life was forever enriched when he met Jerlene Faye Thiel at Henderson Park in Snelling, California. The two were married the weekend after Jerlene graduated from high school on June 27, 1959, in Atascadero, California. After John retired from the Air Force, the family settled in Denair, California in 1976. John worked post retirement as a cabinet maker and worked as an auto mechanic. Outside of work, John found great joy in cars, deer hunting and built his home in Greeley Hill, California. Jerlene and John raised two daughters and shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. They will be remembered for their strong desire to help others and were dedicated members of the Coulterville Community Church. They enjoyed deep fellowship and expanded their faith. They leave behind two daughters, Lorrie St. Pierre and Kathleen Unternaher as well as granddaughter Stephanie St. Pierre. Jerlene is also survived by three sisters Joan Mullis and Janice Hickok of Atascadero, CA and Judith Tyson of Turlock, CA as well as many nieces and nephews. They will be remembered for their love of family. Their love and devotion to each other remained strong until their final days. Their family takes great comfort knowing they are reunited with each other and that their legacy of love, service and family will live on in the hearts of those who knew them.
A graveside military service celebrating the lives of both John and Jerlene will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. (please arrive by 10:15)