Al was born in Woodbury, NJ on February 1, 1927. He attended college, earning a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked as an Electrical Engineer in the US Air Force and then for Bell Labs, where he held the patent for telephone calling cards. Al proudly served in the US Navy during the WWII era and then in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He continued his service to the country in the Navy Reserves well into the 1960’s.
Al’s priorities were his faith and his family. He was active in several United Methodist churches throughout his life, serving in many capacities such as faithfully teaching Sunday School and leading ministry committees. Al was active in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout as a teen, and then served as an adult leader. He had an immense love for music; he was part of the Monmouth Civic Chorus for 25 years with his late wife, a church choir member and the choir director for Bristol Glen. He enjoyed travelling, especially camping across the US with his family and taking trips to Europe. Al treasured his family, and greatly loved each and every member. Whether in person or on a family zoom call, Al made a point of spending time with his family and staying active in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s lives.
Allison was predeceased by his parents, George Avery Mearns and Caroline Abrams Bothwell Mearns; his sister, Lillian Mearns DeHart, his wife, Marian Brown Mearns; his daughter, Elizabeth Mearns Klein; and his son, George Avery Mearns. He is survived by his brother, Robert Henry Mearns; daughters, the Rev. Ellen Bechtold and husband, Steven, and Susan Stobie and husband, Gavin III; his daughter-in-law, Cindy Hansen; his son-in-law, Erich Klein; his grandchildren, Erich Max Klein and wife, Kamm, Peter Klein, Allison Dutrey and husband, Rob, Sarah Bechtold Guenter, Seth Bechtold and wife, Anna, Krissy Mihail and husband, Jon, Andrew Mearns and wife, Ali, Megan Mancini and husband, Nate, Gavin Stobie IV, Bethany DeWalt and husband, Jacob, and Hannah Sheets and husband, David. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Cole and Kennedy Klein, Ella, Nina and Luke Dutrey, Jason and Ethan Guenter, Amelia and Colin Bechtold, Jonah and Rachel Mihail, Lucy and Samuel Mancini, and John Henry Sheets.
A memorial visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the First United Methodist Church of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ, with an 11 a.m. service to follow. Arrangements are under the direction of the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St., Newton.
Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Newton, 111 Ryerson Ave., Newton, NJ 07860, or to the United Methodist Communities Foundation, designated for Bristol Glen, 200 Bristol Glen Drive, Newton, NJ 07860. Online condolences may be offered at www.smithmccrackenfuneralhome.com.
