Walter Robert Sears, Sr.

Mr. Walter Robert Sears, Sr., age 94, of Mount Vernon, Texas, passed peacefully away on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Walter was born on May 22, 1930, in Shamrock, Texas, to Amon Ruth and Verda Mae (Clark) Sears, who were sharecroppers.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean War Conflict. He served at Edwards Air Force base in the Corps of Engineers. After his service, he utilized the G.I. Bill to attend North Texas State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Master of Education.

While attending college he met the love of his life, he always said that was love at first sight. Walter married Margaret Alice Bradley in Poolville, Texas on June 29, 1957.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Amon and Verda Sears; sisters, Lorene Brock, and Louise Purefoy; great grandchild, Lincoln Sears.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Margaret Sears of Mount Vernon, TX; daughter, Cyndy and Rick Hobson of Lubbock, TX; son, Walt Sears, Jr and Kris of San Antonio, TX; son, Stacy and LeeAnn Sears of Mount Pleasant, TX; son, Brad and Krisan Sears of Mount Vernon, TX, grandchildren, Sarah and Nathan Vafaie, Emily and Rusty Welch, Shannon and Jon Sharp, Trey and Liesel Sears, Abby and Patrick Crank, Brandon and Sara Sears, Blake and Sammi Sears, Hadley Sears, and Evan Sears. Great grandchildren, Leila Vafaie, Kyle Welch, Tatum Sharp, Brody Sears, Aubrey Sears, and Charlotte Sears; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lee and Peggy Bradley, Nancy and Bill Robinson; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

His career started with Firestone Tire and Rubber. He changed careers and became passionate about education. He served as an administrator at Wampler Elementary; Munday, TX; Celina, TX; and Mount Vernon, TX. He retired from Mount Vernon ISD Schools after serving as Superintendent for 21 years. As Superintendent he had a vision to create the Mount Vernon Rotary Scholarship Program. Today it impacts and changes the lives of students and their families. He designed, envisioned, and was instrumental in creating a positive effective atmosphere for teachers, students, and the community. As Superintendent under his leadership there were four major building programs with no bonds issues defeated.

Walter received many civic honors during his life including Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Franklin County Hall of Fame, MVISD League of honor, State Finalist for Superintendent of the Year, Regional Superintendent of the Year. He was also a past Rotary International President and a 32˚ Mason.

He was firm in his belief of God. He served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and was liaison between the church and the contractor for the construction of the Sanctuary for First Baptist Church.

He enjoyed counting cattle, driving his tractor, playing dominos, real estate, and teaching his children and grandchildren how to be kind, faithful, strong, and frugal.

Visitation will be at Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home Chapel on September 5, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Texas with Pastor Pepper Puryear officiating. Pallbearers will be Walter’s grandsons, Brandon Sears, Trey Sears, Blake Sears, Evan Sears, and nephews George Purefoy, and David Brock. Honorary pallbearers will be the Jack Henry Sunday School Class of the First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Mount Vernon Rotary Educational Scholarships – P.O. Box 814 – Mount Vernon, Texas 75457.

Services entrusted to Sam B. Harvey Funeral Home.

www.samharveyfuneralhome.com

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