Robert Jewell Lear

Robert Jewell Lear, 89, passed away peacefully in his home June 24, 2021 and was reunited with his cherished wife of 49 years, Janice Marie Ogle Lear. Born in Wilmore, Ky on September 9, 1931, he was raised by his grandmother Evaline Collins Lear, and then by the good people of Wilmore after her passing. He worked at Fitch’s IGA and later IBM, from where he retired in 1990. An avid Cincinnati Reds fan, he loved watching baseball and taking family vacations.

He is survived by daughters Edna (Dennis) Spain, Cathryn Lear, Linda Lear, Joy Boone who was like a daughter to him, multiple nieces, nephews, in-laws and his little buddy Winston.

Our dad was loved and respected by those who knew him. We will miss his jokes, sayings and smiles but know he’s holding our mom’s hand again as they worship their Savior for eternity.

We would like to thank his loving caregivers: Alphia Clay, Elaine Dawson, Maria Porter and the rest of the Home Helpers team for their support and encouragement the last 3 years.

Services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, July 1, at Betts & West Funeral Home in Nicholasville. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in Bluegrass Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be nephews: Rob Nulf, Brian Nulf, Dustin Echelbarger and friends: Paul Coakley, Gary Stidham and Matthew Boone. An honorary pallbearer will be nephew Todd Echelbarger.

In lieu of flowers, we request that you honor Daddy’s memory by sharing a pecan pie and coffee from Frisch’s with your loved ones, driving safely by completely stopping at stop signs and spending as much time as you can with your family.