Marlin Attie “Red” Mears, 77, of Williamsburg, Ohio (formerly of Maiden Rock, Wis.), passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Aug. 17, 2025, in Montgomery, Ohio.
Red was born Aug. 23, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio to Ben C. and Elizabeth (Hoerner) Mears.
Red developed a love for livestock, especially horses, as a child on the farm. As a teenager, Red was active in the 4-H equine projects at both county and state. After graduating from Lebanon H.S. in 1965, Red decided to go west to Fargo Farrier College to hone his skills in the equine arena, but Uncle Sam called Red to serve his country, hello Vietnam. After completing his tour, Red returned home and hung out his farrier shingle to horse around the Warren County area. Then marriage and family took him to Wisconsin where he settled and raised a family. After arriving in Wisconsin, Red’s business interests took a different turn, he went into concrete fabrication, and he started a lifelong friendship with the Weiser family. Working for Weiser Concrete for 35 plus years and retiring in 2014 as general manager. Through the years, Red enjoyed motorcycle hill climbing with his son Danny, traveling the U.S. together bringing home several national championships. Once Red retired and the Wisconsin grandchildren were young adults, the love of family drew Red back to Ohio, so he packed up his bride and purchased a home in Williamsburg, Ohio to be close to family. Red was always having a project, built a horse barn and raised horses, making this small farm his own.
Red will be missed for his love, quiet strength, and compassion.
Red is survived by his wife, Kim Mears; his son Eric Schwan; daughter April Graves (Dennis Bauer); his grandsons John Schwan and Ryker Bauer; granddaughters Kate Woltanski, MaKayla Mears, and Mattie Graves; great grandsons Ian and Elliott Woltanski; sisters Betty Tompkins, Huelene Noel, and sister-in-law Brenda Mears.
Red was preceded in death by his parents Ben C. and Elizabeth (Hoerner) Mears; wife Beverly Mears; his son Danny Mears; his daughters Cindy Mears and Lori Schwan; his brothers Ben C. Mears Jr. and Russell Mears, and his sister Joanne M. Knight.
There will be a Celebration of Life from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at Molly’s on Main in Plum City, Wis. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National or Local Suicide Prevention.
