Rev. Msgr. Eugene A. Sears

Rev. Msgr. Eugene A. Sears, 89, of St. Joseph passed away on August 24, 2021 at Hanson Hospice Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 11AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph. Private Interment will follow later that day. Msgr. Sears will be received at the Church on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 1PM, with visitation time following until 7PM. A Vigil Service will be celebrated at the Church on Wednesday at 7PM. Visitation will continue on Thursday, September 2, 2021, from 8:30AM until time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Msgr. Sears Tuition Assistance Fund, P.O. Box 32, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 269-556-9450. Msgr. Sears was born on February 8, 1932, to Arthur & Ida (Rhoades) Sears in Flint, MI. He attended Michigan State University where he earned a Master in Analytical Psychology. He was ordained as a priest on June 7, 1958 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing, MI. He served many priestly assignments starting in 1958 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Lansing, then became Chaplain at Gabriel High School and assigned at St. Bernard Catholic Church. He then was Chancellor for the Diocese of Lansing, once the Diocese of Kalamazoo was founded, he became Chancellor for the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Msgr. Sears then was assigned to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Kalamazoo and then moved to St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joseph, MI where he retired in 2004. Msgr. Sears served as Vicar General under the first three bishops of Kalamazoo and also served as Diocesan Administrator when the diocese was between bishops. He also served on an ethics board for Lakeland Regional Hospital. Ensuring students had an opportunity to attend Lake Michigan Catholic Schools, in his honor was created the Msgr. Sears Tuition Assistance Fund for Lake Michigan Catholic School students Msgr. Sears’ personal time was spent wood working where he built items like tables and bookcases. He also enjoyed hosting group trips touring Rome & Italy. He had a passion for playing golf and cheering on the Michigan State Spartans. Msgr. Sears is survived by his 12 nieces & nephews; 27 great-nieces & nephews; and 44 great-great nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur & Ida and sisters Peggy Smith, Elizabeth “Betty” Hanley & Dorothy Sears.