Alfred Ross Wear, 94, of Carthage, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at Hickory Grove
Apartments in Carthage.
Ross was born on February 20, 1931, in Carthage, Illinois, the son of Alfred and Abbie
(Koontz) Wear. He was united in marriage to Donna Rae Dains on March 7, 1952. She
preceded him in death on September 1, 2002.
Ross was a lifelong farmer. He had a hand or a say in the farming operation up to the end.
His greatest enjoyment in life was working, and he tried to instill this into everyone he knew.
This was evident with his children, with whom Ross’s Christmas gifts to them included work
gloves, scoop shovels or anything work related. Ross was a member of the Eagles club and
served on several boards including the FHA board and the WCAZ board. He also enjoyed
traveling. Some of his travels, included Brazil, Germany, India, and an Alaskan cruise.
Ross is survived by his children; Debbie Hocker, of Carthage, Diana (Randy) Belknap, of
Carthage, and Charlie (Cindy) Wear, of Carthage, his sisters; Doris Belshaw of Carthage,
and Annice Neally of Quincy, a brother; Keith (Nancy) Wear of Ft. Collins, Colorado, eight
grandchildren; Jennifer Hocker, Matt (Jami) Hocker, Ryan Belknap, Daniel Belknap, Craig
(Anita) Wear, Carlie (Hali) Wear, Cody Wear and Carter (Dylan) Pieper, a sister-in-law;
Donna Dains and a brother-in-law; Jerry Dains, twelve great grandkids, and many nieces,
nephews and cousins.
Ross was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna, a sister; Ruth Lawson, two
brothers; Rolland Wear and Edward Wear, and a brother-in-law, Phil Neally.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home
in Carthage, with burial to follow at Moss Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday, May
9, 2025, from 4 PM to 8 PM at Printy Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to the
Legacy Theater, or the Carthage Public Library. In lieu of flowers the family request
donations to the memorials. Printy Funeral Home in Carthage is in charge of arrangements.