Dr. Kenneth Sears

Dr. Kenneth Gilbert Sears passed on to the Lord the evening of Wednesday November 27, 2024, at the age of 93.  He was born, May 19, 1931, to Sylvan and Letha (Myers) Sears of Fort Henry, Missouri.

Dr. Sears married Shirley Jane Barnett, October 15, 1950, and they were married for 63 years until her death in February 2013.  They raised four children: Kenny, Roger, Paula, and Todd.

Dr. Sears served his country in the United States Navy Reserves with an honorable discharge in 1954. He was a butcher, carpenter, and minister for over 70 years, finally retiring from the Lord’s work in 2019.  He moved his family from Illinois back to Huntsville in 1966 to take over what became the Sweet Springs Baptist Church under his leadership.  The church started with a congregation of 9 people and grew to a membership of over 400 in the early 2000’s when he left. He also built the World-Wide Mission Center which is responsible for printing literature in numerous languages for distribution around the world. The church campgrounds held many camps over the summers for the youth and teens of the church and community. Sweet Springs Baptist Church and its ministry held such a great place in his heart and life. He said so often how thankful he was that its current pastor and congregation have carried on such a tremendous ministry. While pastoring the church he also authored several dissertations earning a PhD in Christian Psychology, and Doctor of Divinities in Ministry and Divinity.     

Dr. Sears was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley, his parents, siblings, Eva, Donavie, Les, Robert, and Janice.  He is survived by his four children and their families, including nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and their families. All of whom he loved so dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Hospital.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation that was held, at the Cater Funeral Home Chapel, followed by Funeral Services honoring and celebrating Dr. Sears’s life.  Committal prayer, Military Honors and burial took place in the Oakland Cemetery.