William “Bill” A. Lear, 95, of West Salem, IL, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at his home.
Bill was born on November 24, 1930, in St. Louis, MO, to Roland and Ethel (Burkett) Lear. He married the love of his life, Mildred (Crawford) Lear on July 14, 1952, at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, CO. They enjoyed 72 years of marriage.
Bill served his county by joining the Air Force during the Korean conflict. He was a crew member of a B-29, B-36, and RC-121 from 1952-1956.
Bill met Mildred while they both worked at Caterpillar, then moved to West Salem, IL and worked at Lear Ford for two years. Bill retired from Champion Laboratories after 35 years, most years, serving as the purchasing department manager. Bill and Mildred served the Lord proudly and attended First Christian Church in West Salem, for almost 70 years.
Bill is survived by seven children Patti (Randy) Davis of O’Fallon, MO, Jim Lear of Albion, Cathy (Roger) Hortin of New Palestine, IN, Bruce (Jeanette) Lear of West Salem, Sherry (Rob) Carter, David (Vicki) Lear, and Duane (Leann) Lear all of Albion, ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one great great-grandchild and one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mildred.
A graveside service will be held at 11am on Wednesday, January 28th, at the Moravian Cemetery in West Salem, IL. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the First Christian Church of West Salem. Donations will be accepted at the graveside service or at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made to the family at www.facebook.com/johnsonvaughnfuneralhome.
