Condolence: I am so saddened to learn of mr. Lears passing. I haven't seen him in several years. I acrually met him while working as a tech a Eckerd pharmacy. He would come in there often and chit chat with us and give us coupons for free sonic stuff. He was so jolly and aways smiling. I thought of him often after i left there. My heart goes out to the family for the loss of such a good amm. Rest Mr Lear. God has beautiful plans for you.

Condolence: Offering sincere condolences to the family and friends. I am so very sorry for your loss. Death was never part of our Heavenly Father’s original purpose for mankind. In fact, in His word the Bible He calls it an enemy (1Cor. 15:26) which He promises in the very near future to do away with (Rev. 21:4,5) At that time tragedies and accidents will be a thing of the past, no one will ever get sick (Isaiah 33:24) and there will be a reuniting, a bringing back to life instead of losing (John 5:28,29) Please allow these words to be of comfort to you and give you hope. (2Cor. 1:4,5)

Condolence: Robbie and I were saddened to hear of Mr. Lear's passing.Please know that the Lear family is in our thoughts and prayers. Robbie and Sara White

Condolence: I was saddened to learn about Mr. Lear's departure for Heaven, knowing his family will miss him dearly. It has been a number of years since I last saw Mr. Lear. I first met him when I was just a young 16 year old boy. I can't remember Mr. Lear without a smile and a jolly laugh. I remember early family discussions about him owning a Sonic. I thought to myself, with McDonalds and Burger King growing at such a fast pace, will people still eat food in their cars. To me, investing in Sonic was risky. Mr. Lear's business sense proved correct. I've always admired his entrepreneur spirit and courage. Mr. Lear was a very kind man to me and it is an honor to know him. To Ms. Lear and family - the Apostle Paul gives us all such hope about Heaven and our future when he writes in Philippians - "But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high Heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthly bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him." May God Bless the Lear Family Kenny Johnson

Condolence: I'm very sad to hear of Dick's passing. My prayers to the family for comfort and peace. My most vivid memory is Dick playing golf with my dad and his friends. As a young man he always made me feel special with something positive to say and that warm smile. Glenn Sullivan

Condolence: Dick was a one-of-a-kind person. He was a generous, thoughtful and caring man who did so much for so many in Irving -- for both organizations and individuals, including our family. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to Jolene and the Lear family.

Condolence: I live down in Kyle, Texas now, but was up here in Dallas for a few days and decided to pick up a paper, and saw that Mr. Lear had passed. I was a UPS driver in Irving for 25 years and had the pleasure of knowing the Lears....delivered to the corporate office and the Sonic across the street and Pats house down the street. What a wonderful family and what a dear, dear man Mr Lear was. He will be missed!! My heartfelt condolences to the family. Big Hugs!

Condolence: We are out of Texas and were saddened to hear of Dick's passing. Steve enjoyed his trips to Winstar with Dick, Kevin and when Jolene could make the trip. Dick was certainly a blessed man who shared his blessings with so many others! To Jolene, Kevin and Carla and all the other family members, our prayers are with you. The Irving community lost a great man, the world lost a great man, Heaven is reaping his blessings now. May God give you peace and comfort that only He can give.

Condolence: MR LEAR was a really kind man , He would help anyone that needed help. He was very proud of his work and he always wanted everything to be just right at the Sonics. MR lear will be missed by many,but especially his family.my prayers are with you all.

Condolence: Dick was one of the most kind men that I have ever known. I will never forget his grin and chuckle. Dick loved the people as much if not more than the Sonic Business. He inspired and lifted your spirit. Dick is a Sonic Treasure. My family and I will miss him greatly.

Condolence: Growing up as a young, troubled boy from a low-income, broken home the highlight of my week pumping gas at Geyer's Shell station, located just down the street from the West Pioneer Sonic location at that time, was to visit with the jolly man, Dick Lear, while filling his car up with gas. I'll never forget Dick hassling me about my long hair while encouraging me to return to school, telling me how intelligent I was and to never give up on my dreams. Oh boy, did his words of encouragement make me feel good, more than he ever knew, after the adversity of being expelled from school, petty crimes, drug use and juvenile courts which would eventually land me in a hospital bed contemplating suicide. Little did I know at the time, I would draw on his many words of encouragement, and similar words of encouragement from other friends and family, as I turned it all around by the Grace of God, and that years later this giant of a man would help my dream come true as one of my biggest advisers and investors in a company I founded that would later be acquired by Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, Acme Brick Company for multi-millions. Seldom in life do we meet such great individuals who not only talk the talk, but walk the walk. People who really care about others and want to make a difference in this all too often hard, cruel world we live in. Dick was such a man. He truly cared about others less fortunate, especially youth, and made a difference in many lives as he did mine. I was blessed to know Dick to the point I can honestly say if it weren't for him and some other close friends, including the school teachers who never gave up on me, that I would still be lost among the many deserving people from dysfunctional families who never succeed because they lacked the all-important influences of accomplished individuals in their lives. Unfortunately, there are many troubled, impoverished youth, like I was, who deserve their break in life but there are few Dick Lears to lift them up, boost their confidence and support their efforts so that they can go on and make something of their lives as I have. If we can learn anything from Dick's life, it is that there is no greater duty than to share your success, serve your community and help those less fortunate. It's like a continual tithe in progress, the more you give of yourself, the more you receive as evidenced by Dick's many accomplishments. He was truly blessed by God, so he could be a blessing to others, and that he was! No doubt there is a special place in Heaven for Dick Lear and those like him. As we walk in his GIANT footsteps and live by his fearless example, there is only one thing we know for certain...In the darkness of death, there shines a bright light. And, so shall it be in the Dawn of Eternal Glory, we will meet again my friend, we will meet again! My condolences to all the Dick Lear family. John Taylor “One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” ― Shannon L. Alder

Condolence: Jolene and family so sorry to hear about Dick. He always had a smile and story. He will be missed by everyone. Ywachetta Driver

Condolence: R.I.P. Dick Lear. You were one of the kindest, nicest men I have ever met. You always had a smile and a nice thing to say. You donated and gave so much. You will truly be missed by so many. Prayers to the family.

Condolence: Dick, you meant so much to so many - especially those who were not even aware of your silent contributions. Your endless support to the youth of this city brought countless grins to the faces of unknowing kids. You were genuinely interested in the lives of others and sitting down with you always brought out a laugh and a smile. You will be missed dearly.

Condolence: So sorry to hear of Dick's passing. I met him on numerous occasions while working on the Irving football programs. He was such a nice man, and I'm very sorry for the pain his family is feeling with his loss.

Condolence: I was blessed to have met Dick & Jolene Lear 20 years ago at a Sonic convention in Las Vegas. Jearld, now deceased, heard the most joyful laughter from across the casino said & "that's Jolene". We found her at the slot machines & Dick later found us at the blackjack tables. And so our friendship began. Dick & Jearld were the best of friends for well over 35 years. All the way back to when they were both in the bread business. Dick was a very kind man with a heart of gold big as Texas & an unending zest for life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew & loved him. My heart goes out to Jolene, Kevin, Pam, Pat, Jason, their spouses & the grandchildren. Dick had a love for his family that was totally unconditional. Please know that you all are in my continued prayers. With my deepest sympathy & may God ease your pain, Letha Ogles

Condolence: My heart is broken. Dick was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather papawand father-in-law to SO many. It is a tragic sadness and my love, sympathy, and support go to all the Lesr family and friends. I wish I could put my love, respect and gratitude into words but I am at a loss. I just know he was welcomed into heaven and will be a forever angel to many.

Condolence: You are so missed by so many. Such a kind man. You know what you did for Gil and me. Many thanks and God speed.

Condolence: You are so missed by so many. Such a kind man. You know what you did for Gil and me. Many thanks and God speed.

Condolence: My heart is hurting. One of life's lights has gone out but, thankfully, to heaven for his eternal reward. I love all of you dearly.

Condolence: So sad to hear of the Dick Lear passing. His family was an icon in the City of Irving and was loved by all. He did so much for the community. Our prayers and condolence go out to the family.

Condolence: I was very sad to hear of the passing of Dick. Dick was such a wonderful and giving person. He will definitely be missed by my family and many others as well. RIP Dick, We love you and we will miss you. Love, Debra and Bruce Kitchens