Captain Tris Patrick Lear Sr.

Tris Patrick Lear, Sr. was born on October 17, 1967 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Lloyd P. Lear, Sr. and Zelida P. Lear. Tris fought a brave and courageous fight against pancreatic cancer, and entered eternal rest on August 7, 2025 in Houston, Texas surrounded by his family.

Tris leaves to cherish his memory: loving and devoted wife of 28 years, Renice; children, Brittany Bierria- Wolfe (Ian), Tris Jr., Triston and Trenice Lear; grandchildren, Liam, Laila and Linnix Wolfe; brother, Lloyd P. Lear, Jr. (Gloria); sisters, Ira McCoy (Clyde Sr.) and Janya Lear; sister-in-law, Lucille Fortin; mother-in-law, Mamie Bierria; brothers-in-law, Raynard Bierria III (Antonio) and Rodney Bierria; sister-in-law, Raynette Jones (Kevin); aunt, Janice D. Smith; and a host of godchildren, relatives and friends.

Tris was preceded in death by: grandparents, Edward Pierson and Irene L. Duplantier; father-in-law, Raynard Bierria, Jr.; brother, Waldo “Buck” Fortin; and uncles, Calvin Smith and Eddie “Pa” Pearson.

Tris’ distinguished career reflected his unwavering commitment to justice and safety of the communities in which he served. He was a long-time public servant and had an extensive career in law enforcement. Tris joined the Gretna Police Department in 2007 and rose to the rank of Captain. In this role, he received many accolades that highlighted the impact he had on the community. Prior to joining the Gretna Police Department, he served as Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations at the Louisiana Department of Justice from 2004 to 2007. Tris also served as Commander of Internal Affairs/Assistant Commander of the Special Investigations Division at the Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office from 1987 to 2004.

In addition to his law enforcement career, Tris served in various community organizations. He served in the music ministry at First Pilgrims Baptist Church of New Orleans, Louisiana, and held membership in Saint Augustine High School Alumnae and Marching 100 Band, Prince Hall Mason Oscar James Dunn Lodge #85 and West Bank Elks Lodge #2496.

Tris’ favorite pastimes were traveling the world with his family and playing music as lead guitarist with various New Orleans bands under the direction of Rachelle Cook and ReeGeneration. He acquired his love of music from his late grandparents.

Tris’ legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, whether through his commitment to justice and safety or music. Those who knew Tris will surely remember his contagious smile and unwavering commitment to spread kindness to everyone he encountered.

The Celebration of Life honoring Tris Patrick Lear, Sr. will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Visitation will be from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM at First Pilgrims Baptist Church, located at 1228 Arts Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. The funeral service will immediately follow at 10:00 AM, and the interment will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery, located at 4000 Norman Mayer Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Captain Tris Patrick Lear, Sr. to the following,

"zellepay.com/renicelear"

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockwood Funeral Home, Houston, Texas and Westside/Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, Marrero, Louisiana