KEAR, Levi Mark

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ May 24, 2007 Levi Mark Kear, 46, died May 19, 2007. Levi was born in McNary April 15, 1961. When Levi was young, the family moved to Tempe, to Happy Jack, and then on to Flagstaff for a number of years. In 1971 the family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, and then to Roosevelt, Utah, where Levi grew into young manhood. He loved working on the ranch where the family lived. In 1974 the family plus a new niece moved back to Winslow and then to Lakeside where Levi attended Blue Ridge High School for a short time. He enjoyed working in the logwoods, playing baseball, coaching his little brother's Little League team and riding his horse, Billie. At the age of 18, Levi joined the Marine Corps and found his true calling as a warrior. Levi was a highly decorated marine with medals he received on the steps of the White House. He was very proud and honored to serve our country as a U.S. Marine. He married during his military career and was blessed with two children. Levi was honorably discharged from his great U.S. Marine Corps (as he called it) and then became a union pipe fitter. Then he got divorced and enjoyed traveling around and being a very good pipe fitter welder (the best welder, he would say). Levi made his way back to his hometown and met the love of his life, settling down with her for the last nine years. His father, Mark Russell Kear, and his baby brother, Raymond Starr Kear, were waiting at Heaven's Gate along with a number of loved ones. Levi is survived by the love of his life, Christine Gentry (Kear); his mother, Joyce Kear; sister Marcia McCloud; brother James Crawford Kear; two children, Kristan Kay Barrington and Trevor Dean Kear; two grandchildren, Paige and Connor Barrington; also numerous aunts; uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. Levi was loved by many and will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be Friday, May 25, at 2 p.m. at Owens Mortuary Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street, Show Low. Interment will be at the Lakeside Cemetery. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.