Dennis Roger Lear

Dennis Roger Lear, Sr., 79, of Bridgman, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at West Woods of Bridgman. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., on Friday, May 22, 2015 at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma, with Military Honors by North Berrien Military Rites Team. Those wishing to share a memory of Dennis online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Dennis was born December 15, 1935 in Benton Harbor, to Charles and Dorothy (Bucher) Lear.  On April 20, 1957, he married his sweetheart Yonda Personette in Benton Harbor. Dennis was a member of the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country from 1954 to 1962, as a Corporal.  He worked as a Die Cast Operator for Paramount Die Cast in Stevensville for many years, and later retired from McDonald Die Cast in Grand Rapids. Dennis will be remembered as a hardworking man who found his greatest enjoyment in simply spending time with his beloved family. Dennis is survived by his children, Bonnie Lear of Baroda, Dennis (Annie) Lear, Jr. of Bridgman, Todd (Chris) Lear of La Porte, IN and Teresa (Jeff) Smith of Buchanan; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Rick (Lori) Lear of St. Joseph, Terry Lear of Benton Harbor and David Lear of Sister Lakes.  He was preceded by his wife Yonda, his parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister.