Merrill Lee Sears

Merrill Lee Sears, age 84, of Jackson, Ohio passed away Friday, July 11th, 2025, at his home after a brief illness. Merrill was born July 27th, 1940, in Gallipolis, Ohio to the late Edward and Jesse (Spriggs) Sears.

Merrill was a 1958 graduate of Jackson High School. He was employed with the New York Central Railroad for a couple of years and then went on to work at New River Electric for over 40 years. At the age of 24, he was awarded the prestigious Carnegie Medal for the bravery he showed in saving a fellow coworker’s life. He was an avid Bengals and Ohio State Fan and was known for his amazing sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife, Dianna Sears; his children: Scott (Betty) Sears, Angela (Ron) Stevens, and Jason (Vicki) Sears; grandchildren: Rachel (Joe) Cummings, MJ (Janice) Edwards, Ryan Wolford, Aaron Wolford (Kelsi Holton), Dakota Napper, and Amanda Gonzalez; and his great-grandchildren: Braden Gonzalez, Ava Gonzalez, Olyvia Pitchford, Natily Napper, Zoey Napper, and Leo Wolford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Ronald Sears and Jerry Sears; and sisters, Janet Vlasko and Sonya Crabtree.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, from 4-8PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 18th, 2025, at 1PM with Harry Mullins officiating. Additional calling hours will be held from 12PM-1PM immediately prior to the service. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.