Dennis James Stears, age 59, of Constantine, passed away Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at his home.
He was born in Three Rivers, on Dec. 29, 1952, a son of James R. and Patricia Joyce (Greer) Stears.
Dennis graduated from Constantine High School in 1971.
On Jan. 17, 1987, Dennis married Susan Evans in Elkhart. He worked in the options department at Royal Trailer Coach Middlebury from 2009 to 2012. Dennis previously worked United Cargo Van in Bristol. He enjoyed fishing and gardening and was a wine-making enthusiast. Dennis loved to cook and was famous for his secret recipe apple pie and his wonderful sense of humor.
Surviving are his mother, Joyce Stears, Constantine; wife, Susan Stears, Constantine; sons, Matthew Stears of Constantine, and Gabe (Lynn Magnus) Stears of Colon; step daughter Gwyneth (Matt) Elliot of Clawson, Mich.; step son Paul (Liberty) DiGiacomo of South Bend, Ind.; sisters, Becky (Rick) Steiner of Columbia, Tenn., and Cindy (Brady) Parker of Centreville; brother, Steve (June Earle) Stears of Constantine; grandson, Devon DiGiacomo; several aunts, uncles, nieces nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.
Relatives and friends will be received Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Eley Funeral Home in Constantine. Religious services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with The Rev. Scott Manning, Constantine United Methodist Church officiating. On line messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.