William "Banjo Bill" Lear

William "Banjo Bill the Missouri Rebel" Thomas Lear, of Cuba, MO was born on Sunday, November 2, 1941 in St. Louis, MO to George Elmer Lear and Golden Elizabeth Davis Lear.  He passed away at Steelville Senior Living on Friday, February 25, 2022 at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 23 days.

Banjo Bill was a member of the United States Navy where he served our country honorably during the Korean War and later joined the United States Coast Guard.  Bill lived in Memphis, TN for awhile trying to make his way in the music industry.  He played on stage at the Grand Ole Opry with Bill Monroe.  Music was his life; he played the banjo, mandolin, guitar and sang bluegrass style songs.  Bill also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family before their passing.  He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cuba, MO.  He was baptized on May 28, 1950 and confirmed on November 1, 2006.  He was a loving friend who will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Golden Lear; grandfather Bill Davis and uncle Clyde Davis.

Banjo Bill is survived by his special friend Gary Davis of Cuba, MO; other relatives and many friends.

There will be a memorial service at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cuba, MO at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 with Pastor Joe Pederson officiating.  The family chose cremation as his final disposition and will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO with full military honors.

Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville, MO.

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