Robert "Bob" Edwin Tear

Robert Edwin (Bob) Tear died quietly at his home in Mason, Texas, on Sunday, December 31, 2017. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 2, 1926; the only child of Kendrick D. Tear and Ruth Benedict Tear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the mother of his children, H. Joyce Fallon Tear, a premature infant son, and a granddaughter, Teresa L. Tear. He is survived by his wife Linda F. Tear of Mason, TX; son, Pastor Raymond M. Tear (Linda) of Ingram, TX; daughter, Mrs. Cynthia J. Rubinoff (Ron; deceased) of CA; son Mr. Robert M. Tear (Sheree) of Mason, MI; daughters Mrs. Constance J. Maynard (Randy) of Mason, MI; Mrs. Cathlynn J. Mowen (Russ) of Fairfield, PA; and Mrs. Colleen J. Smith (Craig) of Perry, MI; along with a gaggle of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews scattered around the country and into Canada.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Bob learned how to work, save, make do, and became a creative entrepreneur. Graduating from high school during World War II, he married his high school sweetheart and enlisted in the US Navy. Upon his honorable discharge in 1946 he and Joyce got on with the business of building a family and making a life together. Eventually they bought the Western Auto store in Mason, MI and moved from the Detroit area. They were also involved in other Mason area businesses, most notably in the founding and development of the Mason Bowling Center, and, at one time, as the editor and publisher of the Ingham County News.

Always a civic minded citizen, he and long-time friend Duane Evans designed the Mason City Hall that once stood on Ash St. In his adopted home town of Mason, TX, though not a golfer himself, he led the effort to get a municipal golf course built without the town incurring any debt. After being widowed he married Linda F. Watson, who had herself been widowed. They made an unlikely match by some persons’ standards, but enjoyed a happy, mutually supportive life together in Mason, TX.

He was generous with his love, his money, his time, his expertise, and advice---when it was sought. Right up to his death he was mentoring younger members of the family to help them get themselves established in life and careers.

Visitation will be Friday, January 19, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 621 S. Jefferson St., Mason, MI. A graveside service and burial will be conducted at Hawley Cemetery at 10 AM on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Son, Pastor Raymond M. Tear, will officiate. Pallbearers will be son, Robert M. Tear, grandsons Robert J. Tear, David J. Tear, Jeremiah R. Tear, Trevor J. Maynard, Ian Fraser, and friend and business associate, Scott Quinn.