Paul Sears, 89, of Newton and formerly of Grinnell, died on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Traditions Memory Care in Newton.

A funeral service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 30, 2026 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will be at Chester Cemetery north of Grinnell.

Memorial donations may be designated to the Newburg Chester Church and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Paul’s family online at www.smithfh.com.

Paul Myron Sears was born on March 26, 1937, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Adelbert and Ann (Paul) Sears. He graduated from Gilman High School with the Class of 1955.

Paul served in the United States Navy from September 1957 until September 1961, attaining the rank of Boiler Technician Second Class. Following his military service, he continued his education at Long Beach State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1967.

On July 20, 1971, Paul was united in marriage to Ellen “Margie” Stevens in Long Beach, California. They made their home in Fountain Valley, California, where they raised their family and lived for 23 years. Paul worked as a mechanical engineer for Brunswick’s Defense Division for 26 years, retiring in 1992.

In retirement, Paul and Margie lived in Washington State for 15 years, tending their 2⅓-acre property and enjoying their orchard. They moved to Grinnell in 2008. Together, they enjoyed traveling and fishing. Paul was a member of Newburg Chester Church and the American Legion.

Paul is survived by his son, Jeffrey Hennesay of Texas; his granddaughters, Brandi Hennesay, Susan Ryberg (Mike); his great-granddaughter, Lisbeth Rah Burden Hennesay; his special grandson, Eric Johnson; his special granddaughter, Chelsea Andreatta; his niece, Lisa Sears; and nephews, Gary Sears, and Steven Allnutt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Sandra Ellen Hennesay; his brother, Clarence (Judy) Sears; his sister, Jane Allnutt; his niece, Kathy Hopkins; and his nephew, Rick Allnutt.