Zanesville City Schools Official Passes Away

It is a sad start to the New Year for the Zanesville City School District and the Zanesville Community.  Zanesville School Officials announced Saturday morning that School District Food Services Coordinator and Construction Liaison Darrell Lear has passed away from a short bout with cancer.  Lear had also served as Transportation and Maintenance Supervisor for the district.  He was also the Chairman of the Muskingum County Democratic Party.  Lear was a well liked man in the community and many people are posting their regrets on Facebook. Some of the posts include:  "Heaven is probably a lot more fun now"…"luv ya bid D"…"Oh my goodness — what a great, kind man — and he never held a grudge. Rest in peace big guy — we will miss him at ZCS". 

"Darrell has been a long time employee of Zanesville City Schools for the last 20 years. More importantly, Darrell has been a friend and the life and joy of many Zanesville City School functions, a big part of our annual Thanksgiving Dinner where he would help prepare and cook meals. Everything was for the people and the public. Darrell has been an intricate part in our community and will be greatly missed," says Zanesville City Schools Superintendent Terry Martin.

"Always happy, always positive. He worked in the community as a Democratic leader. Everybody knew him and he helped in every aspect with schools from busing to food service. A true hard worker, very sad to lose him. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and extended family which is the school system," says Coordinator for Student Services Kevin Appleman.

The viewing for Lear will be held from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 4th, at Snouffer Funeral Home on West Military Road. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 5th, at First Christian Church, located at the corner of Dresden and East Military roads.