John Mowatt Dear, Jr., 89 passed away peacefully at his home October 1 from Alzheimer’s.
John was born July 21,1935 to Stella and John M Dear, Sr. In Orange County, New Jersey. He lived his early years in Bloomfield and West Caldwell, New Jersey.
John’s education began at Seton Hall University, University of Vermont and Iowa State University where he earned a PhD in Biochemistry. He continued then to do a post doctorate research position at the University of Missouri, where he met his wife Jacquelyn. They were married in June, 1970. He accepted a fellowship in Clinical Biochemist at the N.C. Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, N.C. He then moved to Kansas City, first working for Providence St. Margaret Hospitals and then his entire career at the VA Hospital for over 30 years.
John and Jackie settled in Mission, Kansas to raise their family, later moving to Leawood. Days were busy but there was much enjoyment of meeting wonderful life long neighbors, sharing many dinners and group get-togethers, learning to play bridge and exciting travels. Starting with a cruise to Alaska after John retired, was the beginning of many trips. Whether it was Barcelona, the Amalfi coast in France, Italy, Greece or Istanbul, it was a gift to be able to travel. Family cruises to the Caribbean, Cancun, and weeks in Puerta Vallarta were special times to enjoy the entire family and especially grandchildren. Who would have thought 54 years could be filled with so much.
Three sons Paul, Tim and Mark brought much joy and many activities to the family’s lives. When Paul wanted to play soccer, John had to purchase a uniform and learn all the rules of the game since their team had to provide not only a coach but also a referee. John played both roles.
But the best times were enjoyed as all three boys joined Boy Scout Troop 199 Scout. Every Monday night for years there was Scout meetings, every month was a camp out, summers had Boy Scout camp, high adventure trips and the yearly spring break ski trip in Colorado. All of these trips were the benefit of working long hours working the Christmas tree lot. The boys all earned credits to enjoy all the travel and expenses. John joined the boys in all these activities, carrying canoes, pitching tents, hiking trips , snow skiing. Along the way he encouraged his sons as well as many others attain their Eagle Scout Awards.
Another family venture was having a place at the Lake of the Ozarks. Over 25 years, weekends were filled with boating, skiing and fun in the water along with many friends and family members joining us.
With Paul, Tim and Mark, John enjoyed new found activities he never had as an only child. From encouraging and helping the boys in their sporting activities, Boy Scout accomplishments and summer lake fun, many good memories were formed and now can be remembered and cherished.
He is survived by his wife Jacquelyn, sons Paul, Tim, and Mark and four grandchildren Wyatt, Peyton, Dylan and Charley.
Services will be held on Nov. 2nd, at the Church of the Nativity, 119th and Mission Rd. Visitation at 11am followed by Mass at 12 pm. Contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis, Alzheimer’s Assoc. or Kansas City Hospice.
