TOM GREAR

DONGOLA, Ill. -- John Thomas "Tom" Grear, 74, of Dongola died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 1998, at Union County Hospital in Anna.

He was born July 17, 1923, in Ullin, son of Roy Richard and Lorraine Harmon Grear. He and Betty Lou Ridenhour were married Aug. 4, 1946. She died May 10, 1971.

Grear was a railroad agent 20 years, and then worked 15 years as maintenance supervisor with Union County Housing Authority. He was a life member of Mounds VFW Post 8891 and Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, and member of Anna Moose Lodge 1346.

He was a veteran of World War II, and was a prisoner of war about six weeks. He received the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, French Croix DeGuerre, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Survivors include two daughters, Tomma Hogue and Teresa Holcomb of Dongola; two sons, Kelton Grear of Cobden, Shawn Grear of Dongola; a sister, Catherine Echols of Dongola; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Dongola from 5-9 p.m. today, and Saturday from 8-10 a.m.

Funeral service will be private, with the Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. Burial will be in American Legion Cemetery, with military rites by Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455.