Dion Lear

Dion Lear 78, our beloved "Papa", was ushered into heaven Saturday, April 17, 2021 by a host of angels after a lengthy illness. He was a man of God with a good heart and compassion for people. He loved his precious wife of 57 years, Maxine, and his family more than anything in the world. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Donna Lear; and his brother-in-law, Lee Pareo.

Dion was an Allstate Insurance Agent for 45 years in Albuquerque. He was a Deacon at Hoffmantown Church for 30 years, and a member of Calvary Church of Albuquerque for the last 20 years. He was a volunteer for many years in the Billy Graham Ministry. Other community involvement included being a member of the New Mexico Horse and Carriage Association, a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and in recent years a member of The Young At Heart Gospel Choir.

Dion's last days were spent with his closest family members who loved him dearly: his wife, Maxine; his daughter, Malinda her husband, Barry and their children Lauren and Savannah Rampy; grandson, Chad and his wife, Lilly and their children, Eden and Zeke Frantz; his brother, Justin (Betty) Lear and their family; siblings-in-law, Doris (Robert) Vialpando and family, Jordan (Beverly) Pareo and family, Cora (Richard) McLaughlin and family, Luther (Betty) Pareo and family, and Lee Pareo (Anna) and family.

Dion loved his horses and all animals. He was a pilot and had a passion for flying a Cessna plane and traveled across the United States. His favorite place was a cabin in the Colorado Mountains near the Conejos River where he enjoyed fly fishing and riding motorcycles.

Dion was a devout servant of the Lord and a devoted family man who will be missed dearly by all who loved him. "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master's happiness!" Matthew 25:23.

Services will be held Friday, April 30, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at Legacy Church East, 4701 Wyoming Blvd. NE.  Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.  Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Young at Heart Choir, PO Box 92692, Albuquerque, NM 87199.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers and staff at Corus Health for their kindness and attentive care for the last two years.