Walter Leroy "Cowboy" Stear

HANNA CITY - Walter Leroy "Cowboy" Stear, 71, of Nashville, Ill., formerly of Hanna City, died at 4:55 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2006, at Friendship Manor in Nashville, Ill.

He was born on Nov. 27, 1934, in Hanna City, Ill., a son of George and Myrtle Truscott Stear. He married Jackie Hegger in Peoria in 1956.

Surviving are two daughters, Candy (Keith) Mitchell of Sparta and Pam (John) Phillips of Germantown Hills; one son, Rob (Nola) Stear of Sparta; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two sisters Rosemary (George) Lacanski of Peoria and Evelyn (Chuck) Sash of St. Charles.

He was preceded in death by one sister and three brothers.

Walter worked as a printer at World Color Press in Sparta, Ill.

Walter loved the outdoors and spent most of his time hunting, fishing, gardening and farming. He also spent many years as an avid coin collector. Walter also enjoyed following the Chicago Cubs and spending time with his family.

He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Sparta, Ill.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2006, at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria, Ill. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the chapel. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be at Christ Church Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.mem.com.