Norman Eugene Mears
1932-2018
It is with deep sadness that the family of Mr. Norman E. Mears announces his passing on May 11, 2018. Norman was born in Shirley, Illinois on May 5th, 1932 to Fred and Josie Mears. He grew up in Illinois and graduated from Delevan High School. He enlisted into the Navy and served 4 years in the Korean War. He attended OCU where he received a BME Degree in Vocal Music with a minor in Instrumental Music in 3.5 years and post graduate work at UCO, OCU, and OU. While at OCU he was secretary for Kappa Alpha Fraternity and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Honorary Music Fraternity, President of Music Assembly, a member of Blue Key National Honorary Leadership Fraternity, Student Senate, Opera Workshop, University Choir and Surrey Singers. He played leading roles in several operas and Musicals including Carousel, Gianni Schicchi, Elijah (Stage Production) Prodigal Son, Vanessa, Martha, Gallantry and The Unmusical Impresario. He sang in several operas during his summer at Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony in Arkansas. He served as Wesley Foundation Director at Edmond United Methodist Church where met his beloved wife Eva. Moving to Oklahoma City he became the Director of Music, Education, and Youth at Linwood Methodist. Other churches he served; Prince of Peace Lutheran, Grace United Methodist, and Midwest Boulevard Christian Church spanning some 45 years as Director of Music. He was a charter member of Canterbury Choral Society, sang with Oklahoma Chorale at OU was a member of Kiwanis, MENC & OMEA. He began his teaching career at Edmond Memorial High School from 1969-1980(Adagio Show Choir) then transferred to Northwest Classen High School (1980-1994) as the vocal music teacher and the director of performance group "Cry-Slurs". Norman was an avid traveler, bird and auto enthusiast, loved history as well as the Arts. He was preceded in death by his brother Milton and his parents Fred and Josie Mears. Survivors are Wife Eva of 56 years, son Britt Mears, daughters Darenda McColloch (Arlyn), Angela Parkison (Joe), Alicia Champion (Scott) all from the OKC Metro area. Grandsons Clayton, Cade Parkison and Cole Champion.
Nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. They broke the mold when he was made.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Matthews Funeral Home.