Steven Lee Mears

LCpl Steven "Steve" Lee Mears
Feb. 29, 1949 Nov 7, 2014 - - - -
Steve came into this world in Santa Monica, CA as a leap year baby and never failed to use that to the best of his advantage.
He grew up in Hawthorne, CA. and spent many happy hours in Pomona at his Great-grandmother's poultry farm or at his Great-aunt's dairy farm.
Steve graduated from Hawthorne High in 1965, lettering several years in football, and immediately enlisted in the family trade, "The Marine Corps". At that time California was picked to put the best they could find into what was to become "The Bob Hope Challenge Platoon" and Steve was one of those selected. Steve went to boot camp in San Diego. CA, a "Hollywood Marine", and ITR at Camp Pendleton, CA.
Shortly after ITR he shipped out to Vietnam to join up with M/3/3. His squad was hit on the first assault of Hill 881 and he was returned to Balboa Naval Hospital to begin reconstruction. He was then transferred to Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA, and from there discharged.
At this time he began his College Education starting at El Camino Jr. College and finishing at Cal State Fullerton.
He worked for TRW in El Segundo, CA for 18 years and then retired and moved to Hamilton, MT to live and be close to his Mom and Dad with his beloved dog "Tosh".
Steve moved to Bowie MD with his wife Joan to get a better quality care from the VA. His final move was to Bellevue, WA for dialysis treatment at the Seattle VA, it was there that he passed away.
Steve loved Trap Shooting and was a member of ATA, Shoshone Indians, Pacific Indians and the Hi Yu Indians.
Steve leaves behind his wife Dr. Joan, daughter Carolyn and step daughter Adrienne as well as grandchildren Thomas and Alexis. He is also survived by his nephew Dr. Roy "O" Mears (Dr. Jessica) of Grand Junction, CO., niece Vanessa R. Manry (Alex) Bozeman, MT, brother and sister-in-law Roy and Elsie Mears Darby, MT, and many cousins.
He is predeceased by his father Roy G. Mears and mother Jane.
His final wish was to be cremated and interred with his Father and Mother in Hamilton MT.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2015 at Riverview cemetery in Hamilton. Military honors will be presented by the US Marine Corps, Marine Corps League - Bitterroot Detachment and the Hamilton American Legion.