Donald A. Sears

Donald Andrew Sears passed away on May 8th, 2024 at the age of 75 in Ankeny, Iowa. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 4-7 PM at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10 AM at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel.

Don was born September 5th, 1948, to Howard and Jean Sears in Des Moines, Iowa and was the oldest of 4 children (Charles, Linda (Pearson), and Dennis). Don graduated from Des Moines Roosevelt High School in 1966 while excelling in both baseball and basketball. He continued playing both sports collegiately at Northwest Missouri State University where he held the career rebounding record at NWMSU for over 50 years. Don was inducted into the NWMSU athletic hall of fame in 1990. Upon graduation from NWMSU, Don embarked on his teaching and coaching career which lasted over 30 years in central Iowa, mainly in the Des Moines Public School system.

Don married his high school sweetheart Sandy (Stanek) Sears in 1972, eventually residing in Ankeny, Iowa, where they raised their two sons, Todd and Ryan.

Don had a quiet passion to help people “get better” and loved spending “good minutes” chatting with anyone whom he crossed paths with. His patient demeanor and giftedness in coaching and teaching allowed him to be involved with numerous teams and positions.

Don loved his time as a Physical Education teacher at Samuelson Elementary. After receiving his Master’s degree in counseling, Don worked as a counselor at Des Moines North High School. His coaching experience was vast and included girls basketball, baseball, and golf coach at North, as well as golf coach at Ballard High School. When you include the years of teaching Driver’s Education at Ankeny High School, Don invested years into making people better in lots of different contexts and in life.

Don loved traveling, golfing, riding his motorcycle, grilling steaks, bible study with his men’s group, and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed coaching and watching Todd and Ryan in their athletic endeavors as well as watching his grandkids’ games and activities. He couldn’t contain the coach in him and was always looking for ways to encourage and motivate anyone that he could talk to. Don had a fierce loyalty to his family and friends as well as a big heart to help anyone in need.

His sense of humor, big twinkle-eyed smile, patient counseling demeanor, and compassionate heart will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Sandy, his son Todd and wife Jill and their two children (Morgan and Kellen), his son Ryan and wife Angie and their four children (Moriah, Yirah, Toviah, and Nadiah) his sister Linda Pearson (Doug), his brother Chuck, and many nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, and many cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Howard Sears, his mother, Jean Sears, and his brother, Dennis Sears.

Condolences, notes of encouragement, and memories can be mailed to Sandy at the following address:

Bishop Drumm Attn: Sandy Sears

5837 Winwood Drive Johnston, Iowa 50131