Thomas Deo Sears, 76, of Traverse City, passed away October 8, 2022 with his loving wife by his side.
Tom was born in Traverse City on May 7, 1946 to the late Deo and Marjorie (Norris) Sears.
On November 20, 1965 he married the love of his life Christine Schneider.
Tom honorably served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 6 years. He was employed by the United States Postal Service, during which he had many roles, starting as a midnight shift mail sorter and ultimately retiring after 39 years as the Business Mail Specialist. Tom was very involved in the Boy Scouts, as both a scout leader and chairman. He led an effort among other scout leaders to build the cargo trailer used on many scout camping trips.
Tom was known for many things, including his passion for cooking, his love of hunting and fishing, his many trips to the family cabin near Grand Marais in the UP where the family gathered for lots of fun and laughter. Perhaps, most notably, Tom loved hosting the annual Sears Family Pig Roast on the multi-family property known as "The Sears Compound." Tom always believed in going big or going home – everything was done with zest and passion. In addition to woodworking, he was very tech savvy, teaching himself computers in the early '80s and most recently, using his 3-D printer to design and print everything from bird houses to figurines to parts for his son's Jeep.
He is survived and missed dearly by his wife Christine Sears, daughter Deb Sears, son Todd (Tracie) Sears, grandchildren Trevor and Taylor Sears, sisters Sue (Dan) Sobocienski and Judy (Fred) Plamondon, and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will take place on Friday, October 14, 2022 from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022 also at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10 a.m. until the beginning of the service. Lunch to follow the memorial service.
Those wishing to express sympathy are encouraged to contribute to the charity of your choice in Tom's honor.