Donald E. Lear, 53, of Delphi, died at 3:15 p m. Jan. 11, 1990, at his home. Born Nov. 12, 1936, in Lima, Ohio, he was the son of Lewis J. and Flossie Battles Lear. He was married Dec. 2, 1989, in Delphi, to Lisa Sue Martin, who survives. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and the Delphi schools and then later moved away from the Delphi area. In 1985 he returned to Delphi after living in Westminster, Calif., for more than 20 years. He retired July 16, 1975, after 20 years in the U.S. Navy. He served three tours in Vietnam. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Delphi. Surviving with his wife are one daughter, Nadine Hendrickson of Downey, Calif.; one son, Bryan Lear of Anaheim, Calif.; his mother, Flossie F. Lear of Delphi; a stepson, Thomas Allan Martin, at home; three sisters, Leona Cripe of Delphi, Theresa Merrick of Kokomo, and Cecilia Lear of Lafayette; and four brothers, Kenneth Lear of Flora, Michael Lear of Delphi, Stephen Lear of Knox, and Kevin Lear of Lafayette. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother. Services were Tuesday at Horn Funeral Home with Father Donald Hardebeck officiating. Burial was in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Delphi Carroll County Comet January 17, 1990