John R. Sears

John Richard Sears, 72, of Parsons, died Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Labette Health in Parsons.

John was born on August 31, 1946 in Pittsburg, Kansas, to John Francis and Eileen (Dixon) Sears. He grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas and enjoyed being with his immediate family and his cherished group of cousins who would visit each year.  All were dear to his heart.  When John was in sixth grade, the family moved to Parsons and he attended St. Patrick's grade school and high school.  He was very proud of the letter he earned in high school as the manager for the sports teams.  After the deaths of his dear Daddy and Mother, John went to live with his sister and her family for twenty years and thus began his adventure in moving!  He lived in Washington, D.C., St. Louis, Missouri, Austin, Texas, and Dallas, Texas.  In each of these places he cheered on the sports teams he loved so much.  A true fan, he was loyal to the Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas Jayhawks, and Dallas Mavericks.  Whether they won or not, John never stopped believing!

He loved to go on vacations and liked visiting Hawaii and cruising the Caribbean.  He loved listening to the radio, TV Land, playing golf and going to movies.  He always remembered family member's birthdays and would send a card or call.  A kind gentle soul, John's faith was strong.  He loved going to church and seeing people he knew.

In 2013, he returned to Parsons to live near his brothers Bill and Jim.  He lived for three years in assisted living at Woodridge Estates and then moved to Parsons Presbyterian Manor and there began his love for Bingo!  He played every chance he got, sometimes playing twice daily!  When he won, which was often, he would save the prizes for family members placing the gifts in small envelopes with the names of the recipients on each envelope.  He loved being take care of by his devoted brother, Bill.  Playing golf with Bill was his favorite activity until his health declined.  He always looked forward to his visits with Jim as that was almost always movie time!

Those who met John were drawn to him because of his ready smile and gentle nature.  John touched the lives of so many people and he will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his sister Marianna and brother-in-law Alan Thiebaud of Allen, Texas, their children Craig Alan Thiebaud of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, and Kristin (Thiebaud) Brewer of Plano, Texas; brother Bill and sister-in-law Denise (Brady) Sears of Parsons his children Joshua Sears of Surprise, Arizona and Nicole (Sears) Habiger of Galveston. Texas; and brother Jim and sister-in-law Melissa (Alley) Sears of Baldwin City, Kansas; their children Brian Sears of Brooklyn, New York and Jessie (Sears) Wilson of Little Rock, Arkansas.  Additional survivors include great nieces and nephews, special friends, and extended family.

We are certain John is enjoying a reunion of all those family members who preceded him in death and his spirit lives on in all who loved him.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 14, 2019, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  The Rosary will be prayed Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. followed by Visitation at 7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Forbes Hoffman Funeral Home.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Church, or The Prince of Peace Catholic Community of Plano, Texas, or to the Presbyterian Manor Bingo Fund.  These may be left at or mailed to the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.