Thomas "Tommy" Sears

Thomas "Tommy" Sears, 76, of Versailles, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026. A man of unwavering faith, his family takes comfort in knowing he is now in Heaven, rejoicing with his parents and sister.

Born in Williamsburg, Kentucky to Thomas Frank and Bessie Marinda Sears, Tommy was known for his unrelenting joy and strong work ethic that would define his character. As a young man, he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He served bravely as a Supply Sergeant, developing a resilience early in life that became an enduring quality, allowing joy to prevail even when faced with hardship and difficult circumstances.

Tommy's greatest passion was sharing his love of Jesus with others. For 20 years, he led a jail ministry, first in Texas and for the last nine years at the Woodford County Detention Center, where he impacted countless lives. He was a pillar of his church, Wesley Covenant Fellowship, often the first person to greet a visitor with his famously warm and welcoming smile.

He was a man of many unique interests and passions. An entrepreneur at heart, he was a car salesman for several decades but also once owned Tommy's Emporium in Texas, where he delighted in helping customers procure the obscure treasures they were searching for. A collector of Pokémon and sports cards, he provided a space for the kids to gather and play Pokémon. Upon his return to Kentucky, he provided transportation services to the Amish community for several decades. His life was a rich tapestry of interests, always pursued with enthusiasm.

It was not until later in life that he met the love of his life, Marilyn, and together they shared a wonderful nine years, eight of them as husband and wife. They built a vibrant community of friends, enjoyed playing euchre, and shared a mutual enthusiasm for traveling-especially when it involved one of Tommy's masterfully discounted deals. Known as "Poppi" to his grandchildren, he delighted in sharing his hobbies with his children and grandchildren, whether it was fishing, cheering on UK basketball, playing a good card game, or challenging competitors half his age to a basketball game with his son TW. He was a man who lit up every room, always ready with a story about a recent adventure and a smile that radiated his love.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Wanda Sears. Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn Sears; children, TW (Jacqueline) Sears, Kyle Sears, Kale Sears, and Kary Sears; his stepchildren, Elizabeth (David) Chatterton, Stephanie (Nathan) Cooper, Thomas William (Shannon) Chapman, and Sundee (Terry) Holiday; his grandchildren, Emerson and Elliot Sears, Bryanna (Daniel) Gordin, Christopher Sanders, Weston and Stephen Chatterton, Dylan Hartley, Addison and Alivia Cooper, Theodore Chapman and Morgan Holiday; sister, Joyce (Sears) Linnie; niece, Roxanna (John) Johnson.

Pallbearers include: Theo Aguayo, Dylan Hartley, Christopher Sanders, TW Sears, Weston Chatterton, and Charles Van Sickle. Honorary Pallbearers: Steve Kroehler, Bob Evans, and Mark Prige.

Tommy's legacy of faith, resilience, and boundless love will be cherished by all who knew him.

Please join us as we celebrate Tommy and his life. Visitation and funeral services will be held at Wesley Covenant Fellowship Church, 134 Church St., Versailles, KY.

Visitation: Sunday, March 15, 2026. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with public visitation from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Funeral Service: Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM.

Interment: Following the service, a short graveside prayer will be held at Rose Crest Cemetery on Troy Pike.

Immediately after the burial, the church will provide a small lunch for family and friends.

Donations in honor of Tommy can be made to Wesley Covenant Fellowship Church.

Friends and family are encouraged to leave messages of condolence and share memories here on Tommy's tribute wall.