TAMA - Homer Bear Sr., age 86, of the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama died on Monday, January 8, 2007, at Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center due to a short illness. Traditional Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2007, at 2:00 PM at the Meskwaki Cemetery. A traditional wake was held Monday evening at the Bear Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama.

Homer was born on August 18, 1920 in Tama, the son of Wa se a no ge a and Jim Bear. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Wasekuk on February 18, 1944 and they lived in the Tama area. He retired from John Deere Tractor Works in 1982 after twenty-three years of service

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy Waseskuk Bear, a daughter Arlene Kay Bear, and three sons Russell Derrick Bear, Alvin Bear and Gaylord Bear

Survivors include three sons, Homer Jr., Adolph, and Benjamin Bear all of Tama; four daughters, Karen Morris, Aldean Bear, Ardelia Davenport, all of Tama; and Jeanette Moore of Cedar Rapids; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and four adopted sons, Gaylord Walker, Boye Ladd, Frank Blackcloud, and Alfred Marsette Jr.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Homes, Tama-Toledo is handling the arrangements.