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Mr. Daniel "Dan" J. Mears, age 90, of Estill Springs, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his residence on Saturday, April 21, 2012 following an extended illness.  Mr. Mears was a patriotic, community-minded person who was involved in local politics.  He served as a Staff Sergeant in WWII in the 452^nd Bomb Group of the 8^th Air Force in England.  He worked for Corning Glass Works in Corning, NY for more than 35 years as an engineer and was a patent holder. He was also Chairman of the Elmira, NY Chapter of Society of Manufacturing Engineers.  After retiring and moving to Tenn., Dan served on the Franklin County Beautification Committee and helped set up convenience centers in the area.  He also was a VITA volunteer.

Mr. Mears had a warm heart and an off-beat sense of humor.  He worked with wood and could figure out how to fix everything.  He was also proud Captain of the Mears family's mighty Yankee Rebel pontoon boat.  Throughout his life, he presided over a houseful of women from his wife and daughters to dogs and guinea pigs.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ruthe Mears. He is survived by daughters; Dana Mears, Kim Mears both of Estill Springs, Teri Mears of Huntsville, Ala., Mary Mears of Jersey City, N.J. a sister, Sandra Brooks of Pennsylvania.

The family will receive friends from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services.  The family requests in lieu of flowers donations to the Humane Society of the U.S.