Donald G. Kear

Donald G. Kear, age 83, of Canton, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012, in Aultman Hospital at Canton, following a brief illness.

Born Jan. 9, 1929, on his family's farm in Salem Township, Wyandot County, he was the son of the late Perry and Jessie (nee Bruer) Kear. Donald graduated from Salem Township High School in 1947 and attended Findlay College before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He served honorably during the Korean War, and upon his discharge, entered Ohio Northern University, ultimately graduating with a B.A. in Psychology. Donald was employed as a teacher and guidance counselor in several Ohio school districts before returning to school to do graduate work in Library Science at Kent State University. He took a position as high school librarian with the Osnaburg Local School District, and moved to Canton in 1968. He retired in 1984 following 16 years with East Canton.

Donald had a lifelong love of music and began performing publicly, singing with a group called the Choralaines while in the military. He was a member of the Canton Civic Opera and performed with them for over 25 years. Donald also participated in several productions of the North Canton Playhouse and the Canton Players Guild. Additionally, he did solo work in local churches. Donald belonged to the Canton MacDowell Music Club.

He was very proud of the fact that he had the chance to meet many radio and television celebrities during his lifetime, as well as three U.S. Presidents.

Donald was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church at Canton and later the Zion United Church of Christ at North Canton and sang in both church choirs. He also belonged to the following associations: Ohio Library, Stark County Library and Stark County Teachers.

Among his survivors are cousins, Della Coppler of Carey, Berdine (Ray) Cramner of Findlay, Donna (Clyde) Marshall of Kettering, Norma (Gene) Sellers of Marysville, and Marie Mitchell of Saginaw, MI; sister-in-law, Barbara Sigurdsen; many friends, including Ralph Harshman, Jay Wilson, and his caregiver, Joan Fisher; and his little dog, Jackie.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (nee Little) Kear in 2006.

In keeping with Donald's wishes, he will be cremated through the care of the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover, and his ashes will be buried with his wife, Betty, in North Lawn Cemetery at Canton. A service of committal, officiated by Rev. David de Vries, will be held Friday, May 18, at 11 a.m. at the graveside.

It is suggested that those who wish to do so may choose a charity or cause that is dear to them and make a contribution to it in Donald's memory.

To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Donald, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home's website.