TSgt Howard J Sears, Jr., USAF (Ret.), aged 90, peacefully passed away on June 11, 2024.
Reverend Howard J. Sears, Jr. was born on July 14, 1933, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Howard J. Sears, Sr. and Mary Clark Sears.
Having served his nation in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1972, he retired as a Technical Sergeant after twenty-one years of service. He actively participated in the Korean and Vietnam wars, earning several distinguished medals.
Following his military tenure, he relocated to Texarkana, Texas, and became an esteemed member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Reverend Sears, a man of humility and profound faith, dutifully fulfilled roles as a Deacon, Pastor, and engaged in various church ministries. He was an esteemed member of the Sunset Lodge #144 for two decades, where he served as a Worshipful Master from 1980 - 1981. His dedication extended to mentoring new members in their masonic journey. Subsequently, he dedicated twenty years of service at Red River Army Depot until his retirement in 1992.
He is preceded in death by his second wife, Bernice (2012), first wife, Lucille (1969), his parents, Merline Hinkson (sister), and Willie Faye Anderson (stepdaughter).
He is survived by his children: Gary (Barbara) Sears of Texarkana, Texas; Lisa Muenich of New York, New York; William (Shuanita) Singleton of Richmond, Indiana; Gerald T. Singleton of Los Angeles, California; Harold Sears (brother) of New Orleans, Louisiana; along with numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephew, cousins, friends, and church members who will cherish his memory and legacy.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 at the St. Paul Baptist Church, Texarkana, Texas. Visitation will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 5:00 PM at Haynes Mortuary, Inc. Online registration is available at www.haynesmortuary.com.