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Phillip “Tod” Mears, age 74, of Vicksburg, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 after battling a lengthy illness. He was born on February 20, 1951 in Battle Creek, the son of James and Betty (Blodgett) Mears. Tod attended Vicksburg High School and was part of the 1969 graduating class. For 50 years, Tod was involved in the plastics and automotive industry, working at multiple shops and plants in southwest Michigan. In 1993 he met Kimberly Clark-Batten and the two of them would eventually marry on March 20, 2015 in Mendon.
Tod had the ability to build and fix anything he put his mind to; whether it was a small project or remodeling his wonderful home, he managed to impress everyone with his skills. Tod was a dreamer when it came to projects and was heavily motivated to complete them. He had a need for speed, especially when it came to drag racing his 1970 Nova, which was a winner both on the track and back country roads. When he decided the Nova wasn’t fast enough, Tod decided to take pilot lessons and enjoyed the skies. He loved to travel and explore with his friends and family and enjoy his time away from home to the fullest. Above all, he loved his family very much and will truly be missed by many.
Tod is survived by his loving wife; Kimberly Mears; his children; Stephanie (Brent) Bergstrom, Sean (Jill) Mears, Sarah Batten, Krystal (Jesse) Cleveland, Mark (Katie) Batten, Jaclyn (Brian) Hawks, and foreign exchange student, George Ip; 17 grandchildren; Mackenzi, Noah, Abigail, Madison, Sawyer, Gabriel, Avery, Logan, Alexis, Keagan, Ava, Adley, Charlotte, Connor, Dean, Harper, and Skylar; mother in-law; Janice Clark; 3 siblings; David (Janet) Mears, Becky Mears, and Heather Homan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. He was preceded in passing by his parents James and Betty Mears, and his brother, Gene Mears.
Visitation for Tod will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Crossroads Missionary Church (22605 M-60, Mendon, MI 49072) from 10am until 12pm with funeral services beginning at 12:00 with Deacon Jordan Higgins officiating. Following the service, burial will take place in Leonidas Cemetery. Donations in memory of Tod may be directed to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (PO Box 931517, Cleveland, OH 44193-1655) Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com
