Staff Sgt. Randall (Randy) E. Sears, Retired, USA, 60, of Marietta, Ohio, died Tuesday, October 30, 2018. He was born on July 15, 1958, in Charleston, West Virginia to Buel and Betty Wandling Sears.
A 1976 graduate of Marietta High School, Randy enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation. He served three tours of duty, first as a Russian Linguist with the 856Th ASA Company in Frankfort, Germany, as a Chemical Specialist with the 10th Chemical Company in Kaiserslautern, Germany and as a member of the III Corps Staff, Ft. Hood, Texas. He also served as NCO Operations Sgt. with C Co., 1092nd Engineering Battalion in Iraq. He retired from the W.V. Army National Guard in 2004.
Randy was the recipient of numerous Army Commendation, Achievement and Good Conduct Medals. He was nominated for the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq.
He is survived by his brother, Buel (Steve) Sears; two nieces; Maggie Tardy (Drew) and Dr. Ellen Sears; nephew, Jeb Sears; four step children, Sgt. Shane Cunningham, PO2 Brandon Cunningham (Patty), Jessica Bradford (John) and Shannon Digman (Steve); 11 grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife, Mickey Kehl Sears.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at the Freedom Mission, formerly Barnett Ridge Church of Christ, 1981 Barnett Ridge Road, Belpre, Ohio. Full military honors will be observed.