David Lee Sears, age 76, of Sparta, OH passed away on September 10, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Mount Vernon, OH on January 4, 1948, to the late Ralph and Lucille (Smothers) Sears.
David graduated from Highland High School, Class of 1966. After various jobs, he attended Ohio State College of Barber- Styling in 1974. He went on to graduate from the Ohio State Cosmetology School in 1979. In that same year, he became instructor of the Ohio State Barber College in Toledo, OH, and was named manager in 1983. He transferred to Columbus in 1984 as manager of the Ohio State Barber College- Great Eastern. He moved to Apple Valley, OH in 1992 and worked until his retirement. After retirement, he moved back home and spent his final years just outside of Sparta. He had a green thumb and loved working outside. He enjoyed reading and saving newspaper clippings. He had a passion for genealogy and found through his research that the Sears family was one of the first families in Morrow County. His endeavors and contributions to the Morrow County Genealogical Society were a labor of love for him. It was something in which he took great pride. He also loved supporting his nieces and nephews in all they did. You would often find him in the stands at Highland sporting events, cheering on all the kids.
David is survived by his brothers, Dennis (Mary) Sears, of Dover, OH, Robert (Debora) Sears, of Sparta, OH, brother-in-law, Phillip Roush of Mason, OH; nieces and nephews; Kelly (Brian), Helen (Tim), Jeff, Tanya, Eric, Andrew (Erin), Heather (Jeff), Haley, and Hilary along with several great and great-great nieces and nephews and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clyde (Sondra), Carroll; sister, Susie; sisters-in-law’s, Susan Sears and Susan (Morrison) Sears.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in memory of David to the Morrow County Genealogy. Thank you for your generosity.
There will be a graveside service held at Bloomfield Cemetery Monday, September 23 at 1 PM. All are welcome to attend.
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Sending our sympathy to the family of our longtime member, David Sears. We are honored to be included in his memorial.
David’s First Family Ancestors include the following:
Enoch Smith Sears (8-9-1795 / 8-12-1875) A farmer, of English descent, came to Ohio in 1834 and settled in South Bloomfield Twp. Sowed in wheat the first summer-fallow ever sowed in the township and raised quite a good crop. In 1850, he surveyed and platted one-half acre of ground for the Bloomfield cemetery. And added a one-fourth acre in 1855. These lots contained 264 sq ft and sold for 5 cents per lot. Enoch had taken it upon himself to look after the grounds, see that the fence was kept up and the elders and briars were cut as often as once a year. Thinking that grounds set aside for the burial of the dead should have better upkeep, he along with several of the lot owners decided to elect a board of Cemetery Trustees in March of 1859. He served as Trustee of the Bloomfield Cemetery from 1859-1865. He passed in 1875 and is buried in Bloomfield Cemetery.
Laura Marvin Sears (5-15-1796 / 12-27-1871) Wife of Enoch. Born in New York, married in 1861. Came to Ohio in 1834 with husband.
Floyd Sears (1-17-1817 / 8-23-1893) Son of Enoch and Laura. Born in New York. Is listed as a Republican and he and family were members of the ME Church. Has held various township offices, owns 210 acres of well improved land and served as trustee of the Bloomfield Cemetery from 1863 to 1892. He is one of the most prominent men in the township and is universally honored and respected.
Victorine P Clark Sears (1822 / ?) Wife of Floyd. Born in Connecticut, married in 1839.
Smith Sears (2-27-1843 / 2-15-1864) Son of Floyd and Victorine. Married and lived in the village of Bloomfield.