Joseph Raymond Fears

Joseph Raymond Fears, 92, and long time Wenatchee resident passed away on May 11, 2012 at his home. He was born on April 28, 1920 to William Joseph and Winifred Francis (Phillips) Fears in Ada OK. They also had Ada (Fears), Jared and Leon Fears. His parents divorced when he was about 10 and she married Henry Thompson of Alabama. They were married for over 50 years and they adopted a child, James Henry Thompson. In the 30's, like many others, they followed the crops to Washington State, to the Palisades. He attended Wenatchee High School and graduated in 1939, 7th in his class. He married Lily Louise Reimer on May 12, 1941 in East Wenatchee. They were married for 68 years, she passed away in 2009. Together they have five children, Michael Fears, Reno, NV, Joe Fears, Oak Harbor, WA, Debra (Holland), Wenatchee, WA, Phillip Fears, Wenatchee, WA and David Timothy, who died at birth in 1959. In September of 1942 he entered into the US Army and served during WWII in the European African Middle Eastern Campaign, moving heavy artillery equipment on the railroads, he was discharged on November 1945. After the military he returned to Wenatchee and enrolled at the Junior College and graduated in 1950, upon completion was awarded the Lanham Foundation Scholarship to attend the UW in Seattle. He started working for the Wenatchee Post Office as a Rural Carrier in 1951. He serviced RT. 2 Sunnyslope, at times that went all the way from Maple St. to Monitor and out to Rocky Reach Dam, as town grew, his route shrank. He retired in 1979 after 28 years. He was an Eagles member, and longtime member of the Gingko Mineral Society. He loved to bowl and would bring whatever bowling team he was on candy, and soon he was known as the "Candy Man". He was inducted into the local Bowling Hall of Fame and served on the league board. An un-assuming and non-religious man, if you had a need and he could help you, he would. He enjoyed his garden and always had a large garden filled with a variety of vegetables, fruit and nut trees and beautiful flowers. He enjoyed photography and was often the guy taking the pictures. He leaves behind his four children, 5 grand children and 3 great grand children. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lily, son, David Timothy, brother, Leon Fears and sister, Ada Jared. Viewing is scheduled for Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 10:00-am - 5:00pm at Heritage Memorial Chapel, 19 Rock Island Rd., East Wenatchee. Graveside Services is scheduled for Friday, May 18, 2012, 2:00pm at Evergreen Memorial Park, East Wenatchee with continued time for sharing at Cornerstone Christian Church, Corner of Chelan & Palouse, Wenatchee, immediately following service. Memories and condolences for the family can be left on the online memorial website, www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Joseph Raymond Fears

April 28, 1920 - May 11, 2012