John "Preston" Sears

Today we celebrate the life of Preston Sears, beloved friend to so many, devoted son, father, and husband. Preston, born in Omaha, Nebraska December 12th, 1962, passed away on Sunday, the 26th of September 2021. Preston was 58 years old.

Preston grew up in Omaha and was an outstanding athlete. He attended high school at Archbishop Ryan High School in Omaha, where he excelled in football and wrestling. He graduated from Ryan High School in 1981.

Preston’s formative years were fired by an unwavering patriotism and love of his family, community, and country. Consequently, Preston’s life was driven by an untiring drive to serve those that he loved so much, so it was no surprise that he decided to serve his country. He proudly joined the United States Marine Corps after high school and honorably served his country for 4 years.

After his service to his country, Preston, still driven by his desire to serve, signed on to the Omaha Police Department where he distinguished himself as an outstanding Police Officer, quickly earning the respect of his fellow officers. He served his community in that capacity for 13 years. While in service to his community as an Omaha Police Officer, Preston was injured in the line of duty in 1995 and 6 years later was forced to retire in 2001 due to those injuries he incurred while on duty.

Although disappointed that he could no longer serve and protect his community as an Omaha Police Officer, Preston, inspired by his son’s athletic endeavors, continued his community service by volunteering to coach youth football and wrestling where he became the inspiration of many of the young men he mentored. To this day, there are many of those same young men, now parents themselves, who will testify to the fact that Preston continues to be a major influence and inspiration to them.

Although his Marine Corps and Omaha Police careers were distinguished, honorable, and important to him, neither compared to the effort and personal value he placed on his family. All his life Preston made it a priority to be there for his family, most notably his kids, in a manner that would inspire all those that knew him. His unwavering devotion to his parents, brothers, kids, and grandchildren is immeasurable and is a source of strength for his entire family. His strength continues to be a comfort to his entire family during this tragic loss.

Those lucky enough to call themselves a friend of Preston feel the same source of strength from the love and devotion they received from Preston. His love of life, devotion to, compassion for, and acceptance of his friends made him “the guy” for so many people. Consequently, his passing will be an immeasurable loss. As tough as that loss may be, his friends can all be inspired by Preston as they know what “Pres” would say to them, “Hey! Stop it! I’ve got you. You can do this. Now let’s have a good time! Shots for everyone!”

Rest in peace, Preston. May we all be so blessed to have as full a life as you have lived. You have lived lifetimes in the short 58 years you’ve been with us. You may have physically left us, but you will continue to live in all those you’ve inspired in your short, but bountiful life. We will miss you. Semper Fidelis Preston Sears.

Preston was preceded in death by his Mother, Barb Sears and is survived by his Loving Wife, Michelle; Children, Brooke (Matt) Mehser, Breanna (Kyle) Gale, Nick (Lauren) Sears; Step-Children, Samantha Swanson, Emily Swanson, Kaitlynn Sears; 6 Grandchildren; Father, Nick Sears; Brothers, Todd (Cathy) and Travis (Liz) Sears; Many Nieces and Nephews.

Please help us celebrate the life of our beloved Preston. His visitation will be Sunday, 03 October, from 4-7 PM at the Kahler-Dolce Mortuary (441 N. Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046). Funeral service will be at Calvary Christian Church (10100 Cedar Island Road, Bellevue, NE 68123) on Monday, 04 October at 11 AM. Following the service, there will be procession to the Omaha National Cemetery (14250 Schram Road, Omaha, NE 68138) where the United States Marine Corps and the Omaha Police Department will conduct honors. After the burial, please join us at a reception held in Preston’s honor at Starskys Bar & Grill, 7812 F Street, Omaha, NE 68127.