Richard Nelson Sears

Richard Nelson Sears, 86, of Lenexa, KS passed away February 6, 2017. He was born in Englewood, NJ to Seymour and Dorothy Sears. He earned a Commercial Art degree from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn NY. Between college years, he volunteered for the U.S. Army serving two years as a Signal Supply Specialist. In 1955 he met Jean Fuller on a blind date and they wed in 1957. In 1960 he was hired as a package designer for Hallmark Cards and moved his wife and young daughter, Lori, to Kansas City. His son, Steve, was born the following year. He spent 32 years at Hallmark in a variety of roles including 14 years as Technical Designer for the Keepsakes ornament division. He retired in 1993.

Richard and Jean enjoyed over 59 years together, living mostly in Merriam and Lenexa, KS. He loved his family, his many friends, their Ozarks lake cabin, various bridge clubs, Chiefs football, Jayhawk basketball, and golf. He was a member of Southminster Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the last 17 years at Lakeview Village.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; daughter and son-in-law Lori and Gary Norman (Atwater, CA); son and son-in-law Steve Sears and John Lavryssen (Kansas City); grandson Brett Nickelson, wife Michelle and great granddaughters Sydney and Leah (Sacramento, CA); granddaughter Jennifer Jimenez, husband Kenny, and great grandsons Tyler and Sean (Merced, CA), and granddaughter Kristina Nickelson (Fresno, CA).

Celebration of Life will be held at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 6306 Roe, Prairie Village on Monday, February 13 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Evergreen Hospice Care, 11875 S Sunset Drive, Suite 200, Olathe, KS 66061.