Gilbert Sears, Jr.

September 8, 1930 – December 6, 2022
Gilbert Sears, Jr. , 92, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on December 6, 2022. He was born in Big Otter, West Virginia. His family relocated to Akron, Ohio, when he was a teenager. He attended East High School, and after graduation was employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He worked as a Mold Changer for many of his 42 years of service. Gil also worked for the Tallmadge City School District as a bus driver for 29 years. He was a hard worker, sometimes working two jobs at once.
Gil was a U.S. Army veteran. He served during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1953.
Gil was an outdoorsman and nature lover. He enjoyed watching and identifying the types of birds that would visit his bird feeder, located outside his home. He loved all animals, and all animals loved him. His dogs (Maggie and Ruby) held a special place in his heart.
He had a beautiful singing voice that he used to serenade his wife, Judi, who he affectionately referred to as, “my sweetheart.” He often sang songs, while playing his harmonica.
Gil was warm and welcoming to all. He always offered sweets to visitors in his home. He somehow mastered the ability to enjoy daily desserts (pie and ice cream) and still remained fit and trim.
You could often find Gil reading his Bible (he attended Bridge Bible Church in Kent, Ohio for the last 10 years), caring for his animals, or watching a Western (or Hallmark movie) with his sweetheart. He truly loved his family and enjoyed visiting with them, especially his grandchildren.
Gil was preceded in death by his mother, Dola Icy Sears (Mollohan); father, Gilbert W. Sears; brother, Jennings Sears; son, Mark Sears, and granddaughter, Carolyn Grace Stirewalt.
Gil is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Judi Sears; daughter, Linda (Doug) Bartlow; son, Dennis (Pam) Sears; stepdaughter, Terri (Trace) O’Keefe; stepson, Mark (Kelly) Stirewalt; stepson, John (Darla) Stirewalt, and stepdaughter, Jennifer (Guy) Hostutler. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bridge Bible Church.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on December 13, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at the Billow Funeral Home, Cuyahoga Falls Chapel, with Pastor Dave Dickson officiating. Interment with military honors at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park will follow the service.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Falls Chapel, 1907 23rd Street  Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44223.