Norman Eugene Mears
1932-2018
It is with deep sadness that the family of Mr. Norman E. Mears announces his passing on May 11, 2018. Norman was born in Shirley, Illinois on May 5th, 1932 to Fred and Josie Mears. He grew up in Illinois and graduated from Delevan High School. He enlisted into the Navy and served 4 years in the Korean War. He attended OCU where he received a BME Degree in Vocal Music with a minor in Instrumental Music in 3.5 years and post graduate work at UCO, OCU, and OU. While at OCU he was secretary for Kappa Alpha Fraternity and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Honorary Music Fraternity, President of Music Assembly, a member of Blue Key National Honorary Leadership Fraternity, Student Senate, Opera Workshop, University Choir and Surrey Singers. He played leading roles in several operas and Musicals including Carousel, Gianni Schicchi, Elijah (Stage Production) Prodigal Son, Vanessa, Martha, Gallantry and The Unmusical Impresario. He sang in several operas during his summer at Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony in Arkansas. He served as Wesley Foundation Director at Edmond United Methodist Church where met his beloved wife Eva. Moving to Oklahoma City he became the Director of Music, Education, and Youth at Linwood Methodist. Other churches he served; Prince of Peace Lutheran, Grace United Methodist, and Midwest Boulevard Christian Church spanning some 45 years as Director of Music. He was a charter member of Canterbury Choral Society, sang with Oklahoma Chorale at OU was a member of Kiwanis, MENC & OMEA. He began his teaching career at Edmond Memorial High School from 1969-1980(Adagio Show Choir) then transferred to Northwest Classen High School (1980-1994) as the vocal music teacher and the director of performance group “Cry-Slurs”. Norman was an avid traveler, bird and auto enthusiast, loved history as well as the Arts. He was preceded in death by his brother Milton and his parents Fred and Josie Mears. Survivors are Wife Eva of 56 years, son Britt Mears, daughters Darenda McColloch (Arlyn), Angela Parkison (Joe), Alicia Champion (Scott) all from the OKC Metro area. Grandsons Clayton, Cade Parkison and Cole Champion.
Nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. They broke the mold when he was made.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Matthews Funeral Home.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Mears. I was in his High School Choir at Memorial High the years of 1975-1977, and was also an aide for him in 1977. He was a great mentor and a friend.
My condolences for the Mears family. I taught with Norman at EMHS. He was a delightful man.
Jane Andrews
It saddens me to read of the loss of such an incredibly talented musician, teacher, and man. What wonderful memories I have as a young person in his choirs at both church and Edmond High School! He instilled a love of music in so many! My prayers go out to his family.
Ginger (Brown) Barrett
Mr. Mears was my church choir director when I was in junior high and he sparked my interest in music theory. I am so grateful for that.
A brother in Sinfonia
Joe Thompson
Dear Family,
It is sad to hear of cousin Norman’s passing away. Norman was very influential in my early years due to his kindness towards me, his work ethic and his ambition to go to college. I believe that he must have been fresh out of the Navy when I first met him and I think he stayed for awhile with our aunt Ethel Mears. He went to wheat harvest one summer with my dad’s (W. C. Malakosky) crew. This would have been in the mid – 1950’s. I believe that Norman was the first of the Oklahoma Mears family (that I know of and excluding Ethel Mears) that graduated from both high school and college. This would have quite an impact on me later in life. When cousin Norman married Eva I thought they made such a lovely couple. Through the years I have not kept track as I should have of Norman and his family, but I will always remember him and his family very kindly.
I loved seeing him at our Hallmark collectors Club Christmas parties at his home and other homes. Always so jolly and upbeat. Prayers for Eva, the best wife ever, and their family.
Dear Family,
The Hatchett family lived next door to the Mears family on 12th street for many, many years. We are saddened to hear of Norman’s passing. Our prayers go out to Eva and the kids. Thanks Norman for being such a good neighbor and that ever present smile on your face.