Thomas L. Lear Sr. [Cumberland]

CUMBERLAND — Thomas Lee Lear Sr., 78, of Cumberland, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at his residence.

Born Aug. 20, 1931, in Romney, W.Va., he was the son of the late Floyd Lee Lear and Mildred Pauline (Cooper) Lear. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Linda Lou Wolford; and two brothers, John Lear and Charles Lear.

Mr. Lear worked as an electrician with Ivy Smith of Baltimore. After working as an electrician, he retired as a steel worker with the Iron Workers, Local 16 of Baltimore. He was a United States Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a member of the American Legion, V.F.W. and the Elks for over 20 years.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Ann Izzett Yost Lear; one son, Thomas L. “Butch” Lear II and wife Martha, Capon Bridge, W.Va.; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Alma Lear, Romney; two stepsons, Robert J. Yost and wife Phoebe, Hanover, and Richard A. Yost, Cumberland; one stepdaughter, Janet L. Rice and husband Paul, Boswell, Pa.; seven stepgrandchildren.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland, (scarpellifuneralhomes.com) on Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. with the Rev. Don Kesner officiating.

Interment will be in Old Bethel Cemetery, Romney.

Military honors will be accorded at graveside by the American Legion Post 91, Hampshire County Honor Guard and Rifle Squad.

The family graciously re-quests their friends and relatives refrain from sending flowers. Those desiring to honor Thomas's memory may make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society, 182 N. Mechanic St., Cumberland, MD 21502 and the American Diabetes Association, 800 Wynman Park Drive, Suite 110, Baltimore, MD 21211.