Mr. Clarence Sherlock Holmes Charles Sears

March 12, 2010, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle went to be with the Lord. Clarence Charles Sears was born October 6, 1937 to Mabel Nelson and Russell Sears in Plum City, WI. He had one sister, Joyce. Early years were sent on a farm in Grange Hall, WI until he was 6 when the family moved to Red Wing, MN. Clarence cried when they moved because they had left his cat behind. They turned around to get the cat and Clarence made sure he was never without a cat again. He used to say you can’t train a cat, the cat trains you.

Clarence spent his elementary years at Washington Grade School and delivered newspapers in the early morning hours, even when the temperatures in MN were below zero. At 15, he went to work for Sundberg’s Grocery Store as a stock boy and they nicknamed him “Clarabelle”. After graduation in 1955 from Red Wing Central High School he attended Minneapolis Business College for 2 years earning a degree in accounting. Friends there used to call him “Clancy”. He was employed by the Beattie Accounting Firm and while he was working there he met Judy Tebbe. Their first date was December 26, 1964 and Judy says that he picked that date on purpose so he wouldn’t have to buy her a Christmas present. He had his heaven on earth for the next 44 years with his beloved wife. Judy’s dad used to call him O.T. Sears because he was always on time for a date with his daughter.

Clarence and Judy were married October 6, 1965 and Mary Beth was born July 15, 1966, exactly 9 months and 6 days after the wedding. Mark was born September 18, 1972 and in December of that year they all moved to Rogers. Clarence worked at Emerson Electric as their plant accountant and earned the nickname “CC”. Following Emerson Electric, he worked at Office One Superstore and Moser’s Office Supply. Some called him “Snooky” or “Stud-Muffin” but the name that he loved most was “Mr. Wonderful” and it fit him to a T.

He loved to read and his favorite character was Sherlock Holmes. He treasured those times playing golf with his son. He was an excellent bowler. Some of his favorite shows were Andy Griffith, Matlock, Perry Mason, and MASH. He also loved the western channel and the history channel. When someone would ask him how his kids were he would say “I don’t have any kids – they are Judy’s”. Mary beth always told Mark that she was her dad’s favorite so Judy gave her a shirt that said “I’m dad’s favorite” and gave Mark a shirt that said “I’m mom’s favorite”.

He developed a love for antiques many years ago but only recently had a desire to open his own shop. He opened C&J Antiques in August of 2009 and most of you know full well how much he loved his store and what he was doing. He had such a good relationship with his customers and had a great knowledge of antiques. He always had a smile on his face when he was in shop and enjoyed his frequent visits from his sister, Joyce, and all of his friends. Both Terry and Joyce would take care of his store while he and Judy were out of town to antique shows or when Clarence had an errand to run. Paul was always available to help him move furniture and Dave was always there to park the trailer. Clarence was going to learn to park it “When the sun shone”. Things like this were appreciated more that you will ever know.

The ones who will miss him the most are the loved ones whom he left behind: Wife, Judy; children Mary Beth Henry and Mark Sears; son in law Tom Henry; grandchildren Mandy White, Arick Higginbotham, and Nick Sears; and great grandchildren Abbey, Aubrey, and Shaylee White. They were the apple of his eye and he loved his family so very much. His sister, Joyce, also survives, along with cousins, nieces and nephews. Clarence had a special affection for Nick’s mother, Trish, and her husband, Dub, and children Olivia and Case. We would be remiss if we left out his cat, Pumpkin, who loved him so. Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel and Russell.

Even though Clarence died at 72, much too young, he was richly blessed during that time to have so many good friends like you. Thank you for your kindness. Don’t count the years in your life, count the friends, and Clarence had so many. The greatest tribute to one’s life is how you are remembered. Sorrow doesn’t last forever, but memories do. So please remember Mr. Wonderful, or beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and your good friend with a smile. His last breath on earth was his first step in heaven.

Donations can be made to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church of Bentonville, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

A celebration of his life with his family will be held at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel in Rogers from 4-6pm Wednesday March 17, 2010. Mass will be 10 am Thursday March 18 at St. Stephens Catholic Church in Bentonville. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.