Howard Jack Stears

Howard Jack Stears, age 82, of Hartfield, Virginia, passed away on July 19th, 2025. He was born June 8th, 1943, in Wyandotte MI Michigan to Howard V. & Margie Stears.

He received a B.S in Physics from Michigan State University and an MBA from Wright State University. He joined the Air Force in 1966 and retired after 20 years as a Lt. Colonel. While in the Air Force he received many commendations and awards. He then worked for DARPA before starting his own business, SKW. The partners and employees became like a second family not only to him but to his wife and children. Of course, Howard worked many more jobs and retired at least 4 more times.

Howard was the devoted husband of Diane Stears, with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage. Together, they raised four children: Kenneth Stears (Marc), Cheryl Coyne (Marty), Christine Stears and Steven Stears (Dorothy). Howard was also the proud grandfather of four grandsons: Kyle Stears, Matthew and Zachary Coyne, and Breyden Ness. In addition to his children, and grandsons, Howard is survived by many beloved family members and friends. He was predeceased by his sister as well as his wife and son, Diane and Steven Stears. Howard was a fiercely loyal friend to George Kabalka. Their unwavering support for each other spanned over 70 years.

Howard always had an open-door policy & would help anyone in need. One of his goals in life was to make people laugh whether it was jokes, practical jokes or puns. He often laughed so hard that his laugh itself was infectious and you couldn’t help but laugh with him! Howard was a husband, father, brother, uncle, boss, mentor, friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory and his puns will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A celebration of Howard’s life and a military burial will be scheduled at a later date in Michigan. There will also be a local celebration where he will be remembered and celebrated by those who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, Howard’s family requests that donations be made in his name to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital. These contributions will honor his lifelong commitment to helping those in need.

For information regarding future services, please contact his daughter, Cheryl Coyne.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda is assisting the family.