Michael Dean Bear

September 22, 1949 - January 16, 2017

Michael (Mike) Dean Bear, 67, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on January 16, 2017 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Mike was born in Peoria, Illinois on September 22, 1949. He graduated from Limestone High School in Bartonville, Illinois before serving his country in the Vietnam War. Mike was married to Beverly L. Bear on May 3, 1969; they were married 47 years. Mike worked as a maintenance supervisor for ConAgra until he was disabled by a massive heart attack, resulting in a heart transplant in 2007. More than anything he enjoyed spending time with his family. His grandsons were his pride and joy; he spent time with them almost daily being involved in their education, as well as their extracurricular activities, such as sports and other school functions. Mike is survived by his wife, Beverly Bear; his three children, Tricia Bear, Troy Bear, and Kelly Bear; his two grandchildren Toby Baldwin and Lucas Flynn-Bear; his brother Robert Bear; his nieces and nephews; and the rest of his family and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Bear and Francis Bear; as well as his sister, Nancy DeGood and his brother Thomas Bear. The family of Mike Bear wishes to thank all of the doctors and nurses of the Veterans Affairs, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Freeman Hospital for making miracles happen in the past and the Palliative Care Staff of Freeman Hospital for helping us in our most difficult time. We would also like to thank again the donor family for providing us with that most precious gift one could ever receive . . . almost ten years ago today. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2017 at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Donate Life America or American Cancer Society in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.