Billy Dean Stearman

Billy Stearman, 78, of Independence, MO passed away April 26, 2007 at his home. Services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007 at Osage Hills Congregation of the Community of Christ Church. Cremation. Interment in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. Billy was born July 2, 1928 in Seminole, OK to George William and Thelma Marguerite (Smith) Stearman. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII as a radioman. He later transferred to the Army Reserves and served in Cuba. He attended OBU while living in Shawnee, OK. He worked on the Rock Island and Santa Fe Railroad in the 50's. In 1959 he began work as a Life Insurance Salesman for Metropolitan Life Insurance and moved to Oklahoma City, and later worked for Kansas City Life. He was proud of earning a CLU certificate. He went to Blue River Community College and then Graceland College in his 70's after moving to Independence in 1985. He was an Elder in the Community of Christ Church and attended the Osage Hills and Buckner congregations. He was also a member of the Jacomo Chorale and sang in the Messiah for many years. Billy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Norma Jean (Mills) Stearman; daughters Belinda DeAun Young and husband Dennis, Judy Ann Graham and husband Jim, sons Michael Stearman and wife Paula, Jerry Stearman and wife Lisa; 13 grandchildren, 7 of which are Eagle Scouts; 7 great-grandchildren, sisters Martha Joy Wall, Ramona DeAun Wilson; brother Doyle Stearman.