Jerrel Lear Obituary

August 10 2009
I am not very good at expressing myself but I want you to know what Coach Lear means to me. I was a disabled girl at Palmer High and I had konwn at the gym before that. Every year while I was at Palmer he told the boys in his class he did not want them to tease me. When I graduated in 1963 said now I can leave. What a dear man he made my life great. I will always remember him Marlene Fitzgerald

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Lear. He was a wonderful coach, example and friend during the years I was at CC and beyond. Coach provided a great experience swimming for a division III school, making sure that we were competitive but had fun. My prayers are with Coach's family, but may they be comforted by the knowledge that he touched many people throughout his life.

When I was very small I am almost certain that Coach Lear pulled me from the bottom of the shallow end of the pool @ CC and saved my life. I pulled Coach Lear out of the pool for my WSI. Me & my friend had been asked by my Dad & Coach Lear to say the pledge of alligence @ a CC football game because some how they did not have the National Anthem; I was 8, We said " I pledge of..." we began laughing @ each other... forgot the rest of the words... then ran. CC football games, swim meets and learning to swim completed my childhood. Coach Lear was a huge part of it all. My Three girls know how to swim and will continue their lessons because of Coach Lear. They will not pee in the pool due to the fear a bright red dye will surround them and they will never be able to return to the pool. I am blessed to have known Mr. Lear and his wonderful family, he touched so many lives and will continue to do so. Thanks Coach Lear.

My heart goes out to the Lears and all of the Family -

Dear Roberta and family, we were shocked to hear of Jerry's death. Know he had been having so many blood transfusions and he had gotten worse, but always thought he would make it some longer, but know no pain and he can rest. He has been a very good friend for so many years to so many. He will be greatly missed. You and family are in our prayers. Love, Butch & Allegra Copeland

to Roberta, Steve, Linda and Lesa,

I was so saddened to learn of Jerry's death. Coach Lear made an incredible impression on me growing up. My dad, the late Bill Walters, used to do the PA for the Tigers swimming and football teams. I spent a lot of time around the football field and swimming pool. Jerry ALWAYS made time for me. I learned to swim at his summer swimming program. He was the absolute nicest and most genuine man-a true role model. He was also the warmest and one of the most loving people I have ever met in my life. I will miss him. The world seems just a little more empty today.

My sincere sympathy, condolences, love and prayers are with you all.

Jerry Lear was a wonderful man. He lived his life the way he wanted to, He was a coach. He was a mentor to me and my brothers, he was so good to my children , teaching them to swim. He made my life good growing up. Thanks Jerry. Peace be with you and your family.We will miss you. God Bless.
Kevin FLood and Family

In a world of disposable marriages, the faithfulness of Jerry to his home and family was an example for us all. He and Roberta were true to each other all through high school and for the almost 60 years since. A wonderful human being is now with the angels.
Gretchen Roeschlaub Robertson, class of '50

To Linda Lear-Johnson and family,

May God cradle you in his arms as you transition through this very difficult time. Please know you are in our thought and prayers and we send our deepest and sincerest condolences.

Trudy Kirchner and Linda Erlanger

Dear Roberta and family;

The world has lost a great human
being. Just being around Jerry taught a person how to live. You were so kind to let my mom and me be part of your lives when we lived there in the mid 70s and then after from a distance. I have never known a more giving family.
It was great to keep up with everybody
through the correspondence I had with Jerry. He loved you all very much. Everybody - especially Steve and Josh
did such a great job taking care of him these last years. At least now he does not have the pain. Mere words
cannot express how grateful I will always be to have known Jerry and to have been part of your lives.

I met the Coach about 2 years ago and had many fine conversations with him and his family over swimming and the "other" coach Lear. Fond memories of those few days.
Angel, past CNA Penrose hospital

Words can not express my feelings and sympathies for the passing of Coach Lear. Coach was a wonderful coach, but a better person who was always there to talk with, always realized that school came first for us being a D3 student/athlete. I always felt a sense of loyalty, and trust with Coach from the very beginning even though I only swam for him for one year.

Even after I quit swimming while at CC, I still found myself stopping around the pool to talk to Coach. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time, but we know that Coach Lear is in a better place and pain free.

God Bless you Coach!