John R. DeGear, age 75 of Stanwood, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2010. He was born March 26, 1935 in Aetna Township, Mecosta County the son of Arthur and Daisy (Buchanan) DeGear. John began his working career as a lineman and then was made supervisor. He later was the business manager for Local #876 of the I.B.E.W. in Grand Rapids, retiring after 24 years at that position. John was a life member of Peninsular Lodge #10 of the Free and Accepted Masons in Dowagiac and a member of Eagles Aerie #4360 in Stanwood. In his spare time John enjoyed wood working making birdhouses and outdoor decorations. John will be remembered for his quick wit, his friendly smile and being a bit of a prankster. He will be forever missed by many dear friends and his family. He is survived by a daughter, Sonia (Jim) Lyon of Cedar Springs; 5 grandchildren, Jenna (Raymond) LaFond, Danielle (Roy) Maybie, Jeffrey (Fiance, Emma Durke) Ingersoll, Michelle and Laura DeGear; a sister, Mary (Don) Duval of Rogers Heights; several nieces, nephews and many friends including, Gordon Lee McGahan of Big Rapids. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by a son, John Joseph DeGear and a grandson, John Raymond DeGear. Funeral services will take place 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 10th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend Philip Bongard officiating. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Thursday (today) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will be at Aetna Township Cemetery in Morley.