John Orear

John "Lefty" Orear, 65, of Jefferson City, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family, following a battle with cancer. He was born on April 24, 1949, in Triplett, Missouri, a son of Charles Nelson and Dorothy Chloe (Wolgemuth) Orear. On May 31, 1966, he was united in marriage to Kay Bristol in VanBuren, Mo., who survives at their home. He attended Southern Illinois University where he studied chemistry. He later received certification for aircraft mechanics from Linn State Technical College. John was employed in Health and Life Insurance sales for 40 years. He dedicated himself to NAMI and received the Volunteer of the Year award in 2013. On March 17, 2015, John received resolutions from the Missouri State Senate, and the House of Representatives acknowledging his tireless work in advocating for mental health services and Medicare expansion in Missouri. He gained countless friends and acquaintances along the way in his career and time spent working for others. Along with his wife Kay, John is also survived by five children: Charles (Lydia) Orear of St. Louis; Ellen (Bill) Gau of St. Louis; Nickie (Michael) Yi of Fairfield, Calif.; Alex Orear of St. Louis; Seth Orear of Jefferson City; six grandchildren: Chloe Luetkemeyer, Annie Orear, Luci Orear, Robert Orear, Eva Orear, Daniel Yi; one sister: Tess Rouintree of Ozark, Mo. Celebration of Life Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2727 Wesley St, Jefferson City, MO 65109, with Rev. Tom Vansant, Rev. Eric Moore, and Rev. Jeannie Martin-Dudenhoeffer officiating. Friends and family will be received from 1 p.m. until time of service at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be made to NAMI of Jefferson City, in care of the funeral home. Arrangements for "Lefty" are under the direction of TYLER M. WOODS FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 611 E. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, Missouri 65101. (573) 636-2424. Condolences can be made to the family at www.WoodsMemorialServices.com