Steven Randall "Steve" Bears

Steven Randall Bears, of Nashua, Missouri, passed away peacefully into his eternal home on December 10, 2025, at the age of 73.
Steve was born on November 10, 1952, to Bobbie Randall and Norma Jean (Sorrell) Bears. He was a devoted older brother to his sisters, Linda, Jennifer, and Polly. He graduated from Park Hill High School, where he met his high school sweetheart, Debra Jo Linville.
Following high school, Steve proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1971 to 1975. He attained the rank of Sergeant and worked as an aircraft engine mechanic. A Vietnam Era veteran, Steve was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal in recognition of his faithful service. Though he rarely spoke at length about his time in the military, he carried deep pride in having been a Marine.
On July 13, 1974, Steve married Debra Jo Linville. Together they were blessed with two children, Crystal Jo and Elisha Randall Bears. Steve worked hard and long hours throughout his life, yet he always made time for his family. Some of his children's fondest memories include bike rides, backyard basketball games, impromptu water or snowball fights, and long drives on back roads to visit grandparents-often involving what Steve claimed were "shortcuts," though everyone knew better and lovingly teased him about his "long cuts." Family outings often included trips to Hometown Buffet or the movie theater, moments that became cherished traditions.
Steve was a selfless man who never sought attention for himself. He cared deeply about others, always wanting to be sure everyone around him was comfortable, happy, and cared for. He worried about those he loved and wanted the very best for everyone. If he thought his advice might help, he could talk for hours-on nearly any topic, including politics, education, religion, investing, history, or family. He never met a stranger and treasured conversation and time spent with family and friends.
He was known for his humor and loved being a jokester, often poking fun at himself or his own occasionally ill-planned ideas. Fiercely independent, Steve could also be stubborn and hardheaded-traits that sometimes led to humorous or unpleasant consequences, but ones that were undeniably part of his character. He was a dedicated husband who lived out the meaning of "for better or worse." While patience did not always come easily, he never walked away when life became difficult.
Steve loved watching his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews participate in sports and activities. He enjoyed writing short stories and journal entries about his memories-many of which remain treasured keepsakes-along with reading and watching westerns and military programs. A history and politics buff, Steve enjoyed a good debate and lifelong learning. After retiring from a career in the flour mill industry, he proudly attended college for a short time, thriving as he continued to learn.
He and Debra shared a love for collecting beautiful antiques. Steve also had a fondness for sweets-especially Kit Kats and Milky Ways-which he happily shared, along with McDonald's breakfasts and LC's hamburgers. His generosity was boundless; he was always offering help or giving things away, sometimes to the point of needing to repurchase what he had just given-only to give those away as well.
Steve's quirks made him all the more lovable. He was famously technologically challenged and often found himself in a phone or computer "crisis." He kept extensive emergency supplies of food, medicine, and toilet paper because, as he said, "you never know when you'll need it," and he was known to guard items long past their prime. In his younger days, he was remembered by friends and family as ornery, mischievous, and "quite the character." He was also a talented writer and poet, penning heartfelt-and sometimes mushy or playful-letters to Debra while serving in the military.
Above all else, Steve was a godly man who loved Jesus deeply. His greatest wish was that his children and grandchildren would walk closely with God and know His love.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Bobbie R. Bears and Norma J. Bears, and his son-in-law, Mike Tanner.
He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Jo (Linville) Bears; his children, Crystal (Ben) Stockton and Elisha (Rachel) Bears; his grandchildren, Jayden Bears, Raelyn Tanner, Emerson Bears, and Ella Bears; and his great-grandchild, Kynlee Bears.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Steve's life on Monday, December 22, 2025, with a service at 4:00 p.m. followed by visitation at 5:00 p.m. at Hidden Valley Funeral Home.