Duane Camp Sears, 87, of Eureka, died at 8:53 a.m., Monday, August 11, 2014 at his home with family by his side.
Duane was born on September 18, 1926 near Washington, Illinois. His parents were Harvey D. Sears and Dinah B. Camp. Duane's family moved to Tiskilwa, Illinois when he was very young and then returned to the Washington area and Dutch Lane where Duane attended grade school at the Stormer School and high school at Washington High. Duane completed his undergraduate college degree at Eureka College and his Master's degree at Bradley University.
On September 12, 1948, Duane married Kay Kennell. Together they had two sons, William Duane Sears and Ronald Wayne Sears. They also welcomed a daughter Sharon Kay Sears (Helmers). Duane enjoyed six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Duane's church family was Metamora Mennonite where he taught Sunday school and Bible school classes. He was a guidance counselor at Eureka High School and a student advisor at Illinois Central College. Duane also farmed for many years in the Eureka area.
Duane and his family spent over two years in Puerto Rico in development work through the Ulrich Foundation. He also served many years as board member and president of the Eureka Et Cetera Shop. This organization provides funds for helping people around the world through the Mennonite Central Committee. Duane and Kay volunteered again later in Puerto Rico through Service Opportunities for Older Persons. Duane always served and encouraged others, especially young people. Duane and Kay enjoyed travel to Europe and spent many winters with family on the Oregon coast. His greatest treasures were home, family, and his faith.
Duane was preceded in death by a son, William of Greenwood, Delaware, a granddaughter, Esther Sears of Eureka, and one brother Robert of Madison, Missouri. He is survived by his wife, Kay Sears of Eureka, one son, Ron of Eureka, one daughter, Sharon Helmers of Owatonna, Minnesota, and brothers Wilmer Sears of Eureka, Merle Sears of Tiskilwa, Illinois, and Earl Sears of Tiskilwa.
A funeral service will begin at 3 p.m., Saturday, August 16, 2014, at Metamora Mennonite Church. Visitation for Duane will be from 1 to 2:30 prior to services at his Church. A light meal will be served at church immediately following services and prior to the burial. Burial will be at Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery with family attending.
Memorials in Duane's name may be made to Mennonite Central Committee, Peoria South Side Mission, and the Metamora Food Pantry.
Online tributes and memorials may be made at www.argoruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
Visitation
AUG
16.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (CDT)
Roanoke Mennonite
Roanoke, IL
Funeral service
AUG
16.
3:00 PM (CDT)
Roanoke Mennonite
Roanoke, IL
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