Donald B. Sears

DONALD B. SEARS –“ Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Ps 116:15, Donald B. Sears, 94, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 24, 2013 at Cayuga Medical Center. Donald was a lifelong resident of Snyder Hill Rd., Ithaca, NY, born July 26, 1918, the son of the late Jesse and Bessie Burrows Sears. Don grew up helping on his family’s farm and he graduated from Ithaca High School in 1935. He married the former Geraldine Whittier on May 4, 1940 and they recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.

Don worked at Cayuga Rock Salt Co. for a number of years. Later he worked at Morse Chain Co. until his retirement in 1980 after 33 years of service. He was a lifetime farmer and also maintained rental properties. He was an avid gardener, loved bluegrass music, playing his guitar and harmonica, hunting, camping, boating and fishing. He loved to be outdoors enjoying God’s creation. He enjoyed photographing his travels while visiting family and friends throughout the US and Mexico. He will always be remembered for his gifts of storytelling and entertaining children of all ages with his dancing man, willow whistles, games, daring feats such as hanging by his toes, and parasailing on his 80th birthday. Don was a former member of Snyder Hill Baptist Church, later Bethel Grove Bible Church and most recently Brooktondale Baptist Church. His love for the Lord motivated him to a lifetime of service demonstrating kindness, generosity and humility.

Don is survived by his wife, Geraldine, age 90; his sister, Esther Joyce (Carson) Fremont of E. Aurora; son, Calvin (Eva) Sears of Puebla, Mexico; daughters, Janice (Donald) Railsback of Ithaca and Sylvia (Jeff) Sorenson of Mohawk, NY; 13 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter; several nieces, nephews and sister in law, Margaret Sears. He was predeceased by his siblings, Carl Sears, Ina Brown, Frank Sears, Austin Sears and Floyd Sears.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 29, 2013 at Brooktondale Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Lloyd officiating. Friends may call from 10-11 am prior to the service. Burial will follow at Snyder Hill Cemetery followed by fellowship and refreshments back at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Brooktondale Baptist Church, PO Box 144, Brooktondale, NY 14817.

Although he will be greatly missed by his loved ones and friends, they are comforted by the assurance that he is rejoicing in the presence of his Lord. “To be absent from the body, to be present with the Lord.” II Cor 5:8 Perkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.

DONALD B. SEARS –“ Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Ps 116:15, Donald B. Sears, 94, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 24, 2013 at Cayuga Medical Center. Donald was a lifelong resident of Snyder Hill Rd., Ithaca, NY, born July 26, 1918, the son of the late Jesse and Bessie Burrows Sears. Don grew up helping on his family’s farm and he graduated from Ithaca High School in 1935. He married the former Geraldine Whittier on May 4, 1940 and they recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary.