William Jerry Frear

William J. (Jerry) Frear, age seventy-nine, peacefully passed away at home in Roseburg, Oregon, on October 10, 2019. He was a loving husband and father to his wife Masako Frear and his son Jesse. He is predeceased by his son Donald, his parents Marigold Svarverud, Donald J. Frear, and his sister Donna Johnson. He is survived by his sister Renee Clark, his brother James Frear, his niece Katanya Maina and his great-niece Lyandra Maina.

“Jerry” retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1989, but he remained a Marine all his life. He served proudly with the First Marine Division and Force Reconnaissance during the Viet Nam War. He was awarded three Purple Hearts and numerous citations for his endeavors. Jerry was trained in deep-sea diving and certified as an instructor. He was a militarily trained skydiver, parachutist, and certified in amphibious and combat reconnaissance. He remained a consummate military man in word and deeds his whole life.

Jerry was skilled in both mechanics and weaponry. After the Marine Corps, he worked in positions and enjoyed hobbies that used those abilities. He worked as a Deputy Sherriff and ran for office. He owned a security and investigations business and worked in security at Umpqua Community College. He collected and practiced with many different types of weaponry and owned a large garage where he worked on various automotive projects.

Prior to joining the Marine Corps, Jerry played trumpet in the Roseburg High Band. He loved jazz and appreciated it as well as collected it throughout his life. He was extremely mechanical and spent most of his free time working on hot rods with his friends. After he retired from the Marine Corps, his innate mechanical ability stayed with him and he developed a renowned expertise with Ford Flatheads and customization of older cars and hot rods.

Jerry supported many charities. Among those were Roseburg High Athletics, Graffiti Weekend, and various Oregon Tribes, educational programs. He also helped and supported his friends in word and deed.

He was a character who could joke with a straight face and sound stern when he was teasing. He was loved and will be missed.
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