Verne Dale Bear, age 92 of Paris, Illinois passed away at 3:58 AM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Marshall Rehabilitation and Nursing.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Lake Ridge Christian Church in Paris. Following visitation, Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #211 and Masonic Rites will be provided by Prairie Lodge #77, A.F. & A.M., all at the church. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:30 p.m. with Bro. Nate Alexander and Bro. Karl Marshall officiating. Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Verne was born on October 27, 1932, in St. Anne, Illinois to Floyd Martin and Violet Vivian (Scott) Bear. He married L. Marilyn Diel on June 13, 1953, in Noble, Illinois and she preceded him in death on May 28, 2021.

Verne proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. He was a longtime and active member at Lake Ridge Christian Church in Paris. He devoted much of his life to education, serving as Superintendent of Crestwood School until his retirement in December 1994. He was a member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators and served on the Paris Community Hospital Board. Verne was a past commander of the American Legion Post #211, a member of the Masonic Lodge 408 Ancient Free & Accepted Masons, and a former board member of the Green Meadows Girl Scout Council. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and collecting and selling antiques.

He is survived by his children: Becky Bear of Marshall, Illinois, Monica Klocko (Steve) of Hanover Park, Illinois, Tammy Tibbs (Bart) of Marshfield, Missouri; his grandchildren: Grace Tibbs, Emma O'Dell (Keegan), Ian Klocko, Devin Klocko; and his great grandchildren: Heaven Klocko and Saylor O'Dell.

Verne was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his brothers: Gordon Bear and Lester Bear.

Memorial contributions may be made to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, Center for Family Building in Skokie, Illinois, or Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child.