Gilbert C. Lear

LEAR, Gilbert C. 84, of Vandalia, died on November 18, 2011 at Stonespring Transitional Care Center in Vandalia, Ohio. At his request, no service will be held. Gil was born September 28, 1927, in Iron Mountain, Mich., to Gilbert Michael and Esther (Steber) Lear. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during the final months of WWII, and subsequently served an additional three years in the U.S. Army.Following military service, Gil attended Wayne State University, in Detroit, Michigan, where he received a Masters in Public Health Administration and also met Dorothy Violet (Dutch) Lear, whom he married in 1952. Following graduation, Gil moved to Paducah, Kentucky, to work with the National Tuberculosis Association in developing TB diagnostic and prevention services in the northern Kentucky region. In 1955, Gil was given charge of establishing the Miami Valley Chapter of the American Heart Association in Dayton, Ohio, for which he served as Executive Director for 34 years, retiring in 1989.Gil was preceded in death by his sisters Ruby and Lucille. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Dorothy; son, Mitch; and son and daughter-in-law Kurt and Julie. Condolences may be sent to 289 Topton Drive, Vandalia, OH 45377. Arrangements entrusted to Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, Vandalia.