Franklin F. Kear
March 6th, 2009
FRANKLIN FOUST KEAR
1920-1975
Franklin Foust Kear was born at Watsontown on October 18, 1920 to Franklin F. and S. Mary (Foust) Kear. He graduated from Watsontown High School in 1939 and attended Bucknell University.
He was a World War II fighter pilot in China and India and a flight instructor. He served as Fire Chief of the West Branch Volunteer Fire Company from 1951 to 1964. He was a member of the Watsontown Centennial Band, a director of the Watsontown Centennial Association, the Recreation and Hunting Club, the Watsontown Masonic Lodge, No. 401, the Warrior Run Royal Arch Chapter, the Clyde F. Mower American Legion Post, and played with the Williamsport Consistory Band. He served as Mayor of Watsontown from 1966 to 1969.
Franklin F. Kear married on July 9, 1849 to Jeanne Louise Wagner daughter of Jacob H. and Thelma (Pysher) Wagner. They had two sons William F. and Robert E. Kear. The Kear’s were members of the First Lutheran Church in Watsontown. Mr. Kear died on January 25, 1975. Mrs. Kear died on May 7, 1986. They are both buried at Watsontown Cemetery.
[The Milton Standard, January 27, 1975, obituary]
May 5th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Thanks for printing this.
Comment by James Robison: You are most welcomed Ellen – I know you have an interest in Watsontown history and especially for your grandfather and grandmother as well.