Joseph G. Gear

November 10, 1936 - October 23, 2020

service

PRIVATE

Joseph G. Gear, age 83, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2020, in his home where he was surrounded by family who loved him dearly. Joe was born in Stewardson, Illinois on November 10, 1936, to the late Arthur Gear and Ruth E. Habben Gear. When Joe was two weeks old, the family moved to Montmorenci, Indiana, where he resided the rest of his life and was often jokingly referred to as the “south end mayor of Montmorenci.”

Joe was a 1956 graduate of Montmorenci High School. After graduation, Joe worked at National Homes in Lafayette and eventually started a successful construction company, Sigman and Gear, which later became Joe Gear Construction. Joe leaves a legacy of hard work, integrity and kindness. Many of Joe’s homeowners became lifelong friends due to his strong work ethic, honesty, expert carpentry skills, and good-natured personality.

Joe married Carol Morehouse Gear in 1958 and they later divorced. He married Mary Davis Gear in 1978, who survives. He was cherished by his wife and their family, Marsha (Dennis) Freeland, Donna (Alden) Masonis, Amy Hamilton (Monte Moore), all of West Lafayette, Indiana, and Tony (Kara) Politz, Jonesborough, Tennessee. He was a doting grandfather to Katie and Patrick Freeland and Meredith (Zach) Pettet; Tori Hamilton; Lydia and Eli Politz; and great grandchildren, Carsyn and Della Pettet. Also surviving are mother-in-law, Pearl Davis; sisters-in-laws Bette (Jim) Gear, Ginny (Bill) Freeman and Brenda Fisher; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by son, Tony Politz; siblings Velma (Larry) Dill, Bill (Shirley) Gear, Jean (Marvin) Martin, and Jim Gear; in-laws John Davis and Gleason and Wilma Morehouse; brother-in-law, Bill Freeman; and nephews Steve Gear and Mike Dill.

Joe loved the sport of golf, both playing and watching the pros, especially Arnold Palmer. He was passionate about Purdue football and basketball, the Chicago Cubs, and the New Orleans Saints due to Purdue alumnus, Drew Brees. Joe was an enthusiastic gardener and the self-proclaimed tomato king enjoyed sharing his bounty with friends and family. He was also an avid reader and enjoyed watching classic western movies, especially those starring John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.

A small, private memorial service and burial will be held on October 28, to be followed by a celebration of life for all as soon as COVID-19 guidelines allow, hopefully in spring 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Benton Central Athletic Boosters Club, c/o Kristy Etter, P. O. Box 11, Fowler, IN 47944, or the Almost Home Humane Society, https://www.almosthomehumane.org. you may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Jeri and J D Hatfield

Light a candle

PRIVATE

Send Flowers & Gifts

See Condolences

Joe built our home 45 years ago, but he was in touch with us almost to his last days. When the building was complete, I asked Joe for a list of contacts in case any work, repair, or maintenance would be needed. Instead, he told me to call him if there was a problem. There were hardly any, but when I called, he came to the rescue. Although he will forever be with us, he will remain sorely missed and fondly, gratefully remembered. Rest in peace, dear friend Joe!

Our sincere condolences to a true gentleman. Honest, fun loving, caring for mankind even on the golf course! We still live in and love the home he built for us. Rest In Peace Joe. Boiler Up

Like many, I met Joe when I needed to find a contractor to remodel an old Texaco station on old 25 North. By the end of that project Joe was a great friend. He even invited me to join him and a number of other building tradesmen who met every Sunday morning at 6:00am to golf at the old Purdue North course. I don't think I ever had so much fun golfing as with those gentlemen. For the next 30 years Joe was a great friend and fellow Boiler/Cub fan. I feel so fortunate that God put Joe in my life. Todd Clark, DVM

To Mary: just learned of Joe's passing and wanted to send you our sincere condolences. We remember the two of you fondly, and are still enjoying living in the house Joe built for us.

To Mary and all of your family, Dick and I were so sorry to hear from Roberta a few days ago that Joe was not doing well and glad that we all got to gather at Roberta’s house a few months ago. Joe built our house in 1990-91 and we moved in a week before the huge ice storm in March 1991. Joe and crew helped us enormously after that horrible event. We had been warned that building a house could be very stressful on a marriage. With Joe in charge, it was never stressful, only a delight, and we considered Joe and Mary dear friends since that time. You are in our thoughts, Mary. Kay & Dick

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our deepest sympathy to Mary and family. Joe and Carl built our house in West Point in 1973 and we are still living here and it is still a strong and beautiful house. The time we spent with Joe while he was building our house was some of the happiest times. He was so sweet and agreeable about everything we wanted and even changed some things mid-build for me. When we had moved in, but the house wasn't quite finished yet, we had to go out of town for my grandmother's funeral. When we came home, Joe was vacuuming inside. Above and beyond duty. . We hadn't seen him for years, but we always considered him a friend. He was a really good guy and I know you all will miss him. You are in our prayers.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.