He was born June 9, 1951, in Medina, Ohio, the son of Robert E. and Harriet J. Mears. He lived in Lawrence, Kan., from 1958 until 1976, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1969. He graduated from Kansas University with a bachelor’s degree of science in electrical engineering in 1973 and a master’s degree of business administration in 1975.

Mr. Mears was employed by General Dynamics Corporation and Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems in Fort Worth from 1975 to present as an avionics systems engineer. He worked on numerous aircraft programs, most notably the F-16 Fighting Falcon Development Project.

Survivors include his parents; a brother, David; and two sisters, Kathleen Mears and Janet Mears, all of Lawrence.

Brown, Owens & Brumley Funeral Directors, Fort Worth, handled the arrangements.