Willard O'Rear

Willard Duane ORear, 84, of Melrose, died Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales, NM. He was born October 26, 1926, in Happy, Texas, to Rainey and Ruth ORear.

The family moved to the Ranchvale community when Willard was about four years old. He attended school at Ranchvale until he entered the Navy when he was 17 years old. He served two years abord a LST ship in the Pacific. His ship toured Japan and the Philippines. After returning home, he began farming near St. Vrain. Her farmed continually until his death.

He married Iris Irene Mitchell on August 8, 1948. They were happily married for 62 years. He is survived by his wife, Iris, of the home three sons, Keith Debbie ORear of Clovis, Glen Tammi ORear of Clovis, and Jerry Mary Ann ORear of Hereford, TX one daughter, Janet Nolan Bontke of Kress, TX and one sister, Gail Thornton of Portsmouth, OH. Willard was the proud grandfather of eight, and greatgrandfather of eleven. He is also beloved uncle to numerous nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by an infant son, Gary Wayne, and both his parents.

Willard became a Christian at an early age and was currently a member of Central Baptist Church. In earlier years, he was a member of Melrose Baptist and taught Sunday School there for many years. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1963. His faith was an important part of his daily life. He tried to live his life for the Glory of Christ. He instilled this deep faith in his children and was a strong role model for many young people. He valued his friends and neighbors, and cared deeply for those in his life.

Friends are invited to a memorial service celebrating the life of Willard ORear at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 10, 2011 at Central Baptist Church in Clovis, NM, with Dr. Herbert Bergstrom officiating, and Rev. Dick Ross and Rev. Greg Martin assisting. Honorary casket bearers will be his grandchildren. Burial has taken place at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens in Clovis.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Roberts, Roosevelt General Hospital and Vista Care for their gentle, loving care. Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons, P.O. Box 44, Clovis, NM 88102, or The Baptist Childrens Home, P.O. Box 629, Portales, NM 88130.

Arrangements are by SteedTodd Funeral Home, 800 E. Manana Blvd., Clovis, NM 88101, 5757635541.

Service

Memorial Service

Central Baptist Church
2501 N. Norris
Clovis, NM  88101
Monday, January 10, 2011
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens
1601 E. Llano Estacado
Clovis, NM  88101

Memorial Contributions

#U 30030
Clovis, NM  88102


P. O. Box 629
Portales, NM  88130