James William Stear

James William Stear, 83, of Pittsburg, KS, formerly of Huntington, passed away Friday, December 14, 2007 in Sunset Manor Nursing Home, Frontenac, KS.  Funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at Beverly Hills United Methodist Church, Huntington, with Pastor Gordon Humphreys officiating.  Burial will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park.  He was born January 10, 1924 in Huntington, a son of the late Birto and Gertrude Mayfield Stear.  He was also preceded in death by one son, James Warren Stear and one brother, Ralph Stear.  Mr. Stear was a member of Beverly Hills United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where he served as treasurer and Sunday School Teacher.  He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Warren Jones Stear; two daughters, Linda Runyan and her husband, Kent of Pittsburg, KS and Amy Stear of Milwaukee, WI; five grandchildren, Keith Runyan and his wife, Stacy, Jaime Patterson and her husband, Jeff, Scott Runyan, Shay Swinford and Lucy Swinford; three great grandchildren, Madison Runyan, Ethan Runyan and James Daniel Patterson; and several nieces and nephews.  Friends may call one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Beverly Hills United Methodist Church.  Beard Mortuary, Huntington is in charge of local arrangements.

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