Obituary of Sam Sears

Sam Wesley Sears passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on January 4, 2017. He was born February 16, 1921 to Robert James and Edna Berry Sears in Scholle, New Mexico. Sam grew up in the Wilderville/Grants Pass area and married Mae Bousman June 1940 in Reno, Nevada. He joined the Navy on September 2, 1942, serving in the Pacific Theater and was discharged October 27, 1945 as an Aviation Machinist Mate Second Class. Sam and Mae moved to the Eugene area in 1947 where Sam worked as a logger for Barker Timber Company, Cabax as a Barker Operator and retired from Seneca as a Sawyer. He was a member of the Izaac Walton League and Cottage Grove - Eugene Gun Club for many years. He was a volunteer for the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area "Volunteer Tuesday Crew". He also taught Hunter Safety for many years.He is survived by his daughters, Judy (Gary) Crakes and Janet McDonald; grandchildren Michelle (Jeff) Bauer, Tracy (Dylan) Moore, Matt (Vanessa) Crakes, and Wesley (Kristen) Crakes; great grandchildren Alexa, Rowan, Will, Avery, Amelia, Carson, Mason and Jessica. He was preceeded in death by his wife Mae Sears and son-in-law John McDonald.He enjoyed hunting, camping and watching the Oregon Ducks. His pride and joy were his beautiful and loving daughters that dedicated their lives to him and took care of him to the very end. He loved being with his family. He was especially happy when he was with his grandchildren. He taught them all how to drive, hunt, camp, get pulled behind his Blazer in the snow on an inner tube, laugh, love, be kind and have more fun just being at his house and not needing anything more. He made the BEST forts in the world, crutches just because it was fun to pretend we had a broken leg, stilts because it was fun to pretend we were in the circus and fake guns because it was fun to pretend we were as good at shooting trap as he was. Mostly he gave the best hugs and kisses, even if there was a little Copenhagen involved. There is not a person who has met him that didn't love him. He had a magnetic personality with a heart of gold and lit up the room with his positivie energy, beautiful smile and infectious laugh.You will be missed so very much and always and forever in all of our hearts. Rest in Peace Daddy, Grandpa, Great Papa, Sam and be with Mom, Grandma, Great Nana, Mae once again and forever more.A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date where he killed his big bull Elk on Long Creek on November 10, 1992.Arrangements entrusted to Lane Memorial Funeral Home. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com