Stephen Ray Sears beloved husband, father, teacher, friend, and man of God left this world for glory on September 22, 2023. Born in Kirksville, Missouri on August 5, 1954 toBilly & Marion Sears, Steve was the fourth of seven children and lived most of his childhood in Frankfort, South Dakota. During high school, Steve moved with his family to Ephrata, Washington where he met the love of his life, Susan, who lived next door. It was a match made in heaven from the start with rhyming middle names (Ray & Kay) and birthdays exactly one day apart.

Steve attended Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science major in Math and in Physics and a minor in Education. Later he pursued a Masters in Education. Following his college graduation and wedding to Susan in 1976, Steve took his first and only teaching position at Vashon Island High School. He taught for the Vashon Island School District for 42 years and retired in 2018. In 1985, Steve was called to the ministry and was ordained as a pastor. He was installed as the pastor of Calvary Full Gospel Church in Lisabuela and served there for over 38 years up until his death.

Steve had a good sense of humor and delighted in storytelling. He enjoyed working at VHS sporting events and playing the piano by ear. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, professional tennis, and traveling to new places, including trips to Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico, the Holy Land, Prince Edward Island, and all 50 states. Most of all he cherished his relationship with Jesus Christ and adored his family and grandchildren.

Stephen Sears is survived by his sister, Beth Sears, his wife, Susan, his four children: Becky Youman (Chris), Katie Kostova, Andy Sears (Kara), and Angela Sears Ximenes (Francisco), his twelve grandchildren: Maddie & Lillie Youman, Maria, Simona, Tommy, & Gianna Kostov(a), Colton, Carter, & Clayton Sears, and Ashley (Jonathan), Livia & Luiza Sears Ximenes, and his two great grandchildren: Mateo & Jacob Cuellar Enamorado.