Jonathan Howard Gear, 76, of Woodway, Texas passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 8, at Providence Hospice in Woodway, Texas. Funeral services will be Friday, June 10, 2016 at 2 pm, at OakCrest Funeral Home. Burial will be on Saturday, June 11, at 10 am, at Fairview Cemetery, Denison, Texas. The family will be in the chapel from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service.

Born in Portland, Oregon to Cecil and Anne Gear, he lived in Woodway, Texas, with his wife, Jean. He began his adult life in Texas, and lived eight years in Anchorage, Alaska, where he was part of the team with ARCO Alaska working to start the Alaska Pipeline. In 1984 he returned to Texas. Later he retired from ARCO, then decided retirement was not for him and became the Executive Director of the Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies for the next ten years. Jon is credited with taking COPAS into the 21st Century with technology. In 2005 COPAS established the Jon Gear Meritorious Achievement Award given annually to the person attaining the highest score on the COPAS APA exam.

Jon loved music, especially country music and hymns. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing karaoke. He loved doing magic and was a member of the brotherhood of magicians. He also always loved the latest technology and gadgetry. Back in the early eighties when no one had computers in homes, Jon's home had an Apple 2c. Even at the time of his death he had an iPhone 6s Plus.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents; and by his late wife, Ruth Joan Suggs Gear.

Jon is survived by his devoted wife, Jean Gear of Woodway, Texas; two beloved sons, Jonathan Howard Gear, Jr., and wife, Brenda, of Marysville, Ohio; and Rodney LeGene Gaylor of Woodway, Texas; five cherished daughters, Phyllis Anne Plane and husband, Michael, of Central Point, Oregon; Catherine Gear Banks and husband, Philip, of Murphy, Texas; Kimberly Kay Mitchell and husband, Charliy, of Baytown, Texas; Cathy Renè Greggs and husband, Bill, of Aquilla, Texas; and Kristi Michelle Linauer and husband, Matt, of Waco, Texas; nine delightful grandchildren, Kimberly Michiale Correll of Salem, Oregon, Robyn Anne Philo of Phoenix, Oregon, Second Lieutenant Lane Andrew Todd, USAF of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Joshua Leigh Todd of Norman, Oklahoma, Ruth Lucile Banks of San Antonio, Texas, Philip Barbour Minor Banks III of Murphy, Texas, Jamison Catherine Gear of Marysville, Ohio, Jonathan Howard Gear III, of Marysville, Ohio, and Yaleana Janell Gaylor of Woodway, Texas.

The family tree continues with five great grandchildren, Emma Rose Correll, Liam Joshua Correll, Alexabelle Scarlett Correll, Lincoln Henry Correll, all of Salem, Oregon and Melia Michael Philo of Phoenix, Oregon; and

his brother, Col. Edward Robert Gear (Ret.) (US Army) of Eugene, Oregon.

Jon was a member of Waco Founder Lions Club and Highland Baptist Church in Waco.

Jon loved his Savior with all of his heart. He trusted Jesus with his salvation. The hope of our entire family is that if you have not done the same that you would consider doing so.