Ronald James Sears

1927 - 2023

Ronald James Sears
Ronald James Sears,95, passed away March 22, 2023 in the VA Home in Jackson, Louisiana. He was born December 20, 1927 in Midland, Michigan in what would become Dow Diamond's Deep Right Field. He was the fourth of eight children born to Arthur and Elsie Sears.
Ron, a.k.a. Jim, attended Midland schools, graduating from Midland High School in 1946. While in school he worked as a co-op at Dow Chemical, working in the chemistry lab. In the summer of 1946, he enlisted in the Regular Army and served in the 88th Infantry Division for two years. He was deployed as a peacekeeper in northern Italy.
After returning to the states, Ron married Beatrice Woodcock on July 3, 1948 in the First Baptist Church. He returned to work at Dow and started studying accounting in college at night. Soon he was working in the offices and was transferred to Bay City in 1959 to help open the Handi-wrap, Ziploc, and Bay Gas facility. When the petro-chem and refinery were closed in 1978, Ron was transferred to the Dow Plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana. He retired in 1983 after 37 years of service.
While in Midland, Ron and Bea had three children. He was active in the Boy Scouts at First Baptist Church and later, at Cook School. He played softball and coached for First Baptist Church and Dow. He enjoyed golf and bowling. Ron was a Master Mason and a 32 Degree Scottish Rite. He was also a member of the Elks Club in Essexville.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, his wife, brothers Frederick, John and Bruce and sisters Elaine and Shirley. He is survived by two sons, Ronald (Beth), Thomas (Judith) and daughter Julia (Darryl Bourgoyne), grandchildren Rhonda, Ryan, Thomas, Kristina and Timothy, great grandchildren Wesley, Russell, Serena, Julian, Darcy, Lottie, Loralei and Lilliana, two step grandchildren and six step great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Sharon Church, a brother Daniel Sears, a sister-in-law, Monica Doan and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a special friend, Rever Vidrine. She was a comfort to him to the end.
While in his 80's, Ron began writing his "stories" about growing up in Midland. At first, they were printed in The Midland Daily News as letters to the editor. He enjoyed telling tales of living in a home that is where Dow Diamond now stands. He was thrilled when it became a column "Living in Deep Right Field".
A service is being planned for this July in Midland.