Winifred "Freddie" Leila Morton Lear's Obituary
Winifred “Freddie” Leila Morton Lear was set “free of her earthly burdens” on Sunday, April 17, 2016. She was born in Manchester, OK, on July 27, 1932 and grew up in her beloved “hometown” of Anthony, KS. Where she made many cherished lifelong friends that neither distance in miles nor distance in time ever parted. Also, it was there in grade school that she met her love W.G. “Bill” Lear, and married him on July 24, 1954. They started their life together in Wichita, KS before moving to Longview, TX. In her approach to life, she will be remembered for dogged determination and fierce stubbornness but mostly for her deep and abiding love for her children and her grandchildren.
Freddie was a woman of many talents. She was a wonderful cook and she happily shared the “fruits” of her kitchen with many at every opportunity. Some of her many specialties were peanut brittle which was one of Dad’s favorites and anticipated to be received by many at Christmas time. She canned pickles and homemade hot sauce. Her meringue pies were a work of art, and we all had our favorites for which she always obliged. One of her favorite past times was sewing. She never sat down that she was not crocheting or “working” on a quilt. She left to cherish many baby blankets for Great Grandbabies yet to be born: Not to mention, many more family and friends who will be “warm” for years to come because of her skill.
In the early 70’s, she and Bill came to Longview to start their Sonic Drive-In business, and over the next several years, they worked tirelessly side by side to cultivate and build it. Eventually, they were able to give back to the community that helped them along the way in the form of donated land now known as Lear Park. This was especially befitting her personal nature, as she was her children’s and grand-children’s biggest fan both on and off the sporting fields. Concerning the sporting front, she spent many joyful hours at parks and sports facilities around the area cheering and making wonderful memories with her family. She relived those times by speaking of them often to the end. She was especially proud in knowing that she and Bill could leave a legacy in Lear Park for others to experience a lifetime of cherished memories as she had.
She leaves many family and friends to cherish her memory. Her daughters, Rebecca “Becki” Lear Vickery of Clear Lake Shores, TX and Jody Lear of Longview, TX. Her Grandchildren, Aaron Nadeau and husband Greg Nadeau and Great-granddaughters Afton and Blake Nadeau of Pheonix, AZ; Morgan Vickery and Great-grandson Konrad Pope of Allen, TX; and Travis Lear Vickery and wife Ashley Collier Vickery of College Station, TX. Also, she leaves her brother Herbert Morton and wife Lorraine Morton of Winfield, KS; as well as a countless number of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband W.G. “Bill” Lear, two infant babies and parents Howard and Ethel Morton of Winfield KS.
The family wishes to express their most heartfelt thanks to Freddie’s loving caregivers Trina and Tia.
An author unknown pinned very poignant words to best remember her.
A limb has fallen from the tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease; my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls. I miss you dearly, so keep up your chin; until the day comes we’re together again.”
Funeral services will be held at Rader Funeral Home, 1617 Judson Rd, Longview TX 75601 on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 12pm with a visitation the hour prior to the service. A small graveside service will be held in Anthony, KS at Forest Park Cemetery on Saturday at 11am.
Memorial contributions may be made to the W.G. “Bill” Lear Park through the Longview Parks and Leisure Services (PALS) Foundation at PO Box 2761 Longview TX, 75606 or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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