Earnest James Tear

Age 80, of Flint, passed into glory on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at McLaren Flint, with his family by his side. In accordance with Earnest’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There are no further services scheduled at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Earnest’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhom.com.

Earnest was born in Flint, on September 12, 1942, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Effie (Bowles) Tear. Educated locally, he attended Bentley High School and graduated with the class of 1963. Earnest met and married the love of his life, Kathaleen Kotlark, on April 10, 1986. Earnest worked for General Motors Truck & Bus for 37 years until his retirement in 1999. He was a long-time attendee of Judson Baptist Church in Burton. In his younger years, Earnest enjoyed playing Euchre with his friends from the shop, playing baseball and was a great pitcher. He shared his love of baseball with his children; and enjoyed watching their games. In his free time, he enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions and drinking strawberry malts, and bowling on many leagues. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing in Linden on McCaslin Lake and traveling to Florida. He had a dry sense of humor that everyone loved, and his favorite phrase was “Oh Ernie, Hell.” Although having many hobbies, Earnest’s love for family was by far his greatest passion in life along with their holiday, and family parties. Earnest will be missed by all who knew him, including his best friend, Toby, his beloved dog.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 38 years, Kathaleen Tear; children: Greg (Shawn), Jeremy (Carol) Terry, Austin; grandchildren: Bradley, Ben, Bailey, Tyler, Haley; brother, Walt (Michele); sister, Coral; special nieces: Sandy, Stephanie (Matt), and their children: Pierce, Presley, and Jodi (Gerome); favorite nephew, Ron; special sister-in-law, Diane; sisters-in-law: Cindy (John), Belinda (Mike), Sharon (Tim); brothers-in-law: Greg (Vicki); favorite neighbors: Joyce, Aaron, Joanne.

Earnest was preceded in death by his parents; baby daughter; three sisters: Ellen, Jeanie, and Lois; father and mother-in-law: Eugene and Marjorie Kotlark; best friend, Toby, his beloved dog.