Duel Jene Sears, age 83, of rural Bowring, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, October 8, 2012 at his home. Duel was born January 11, 1929 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Joe and Iva (Benning) Sears. He grew up in Washington and Osage counties, graduating from Bartlesville High School. Following high school, Duel was employed by Griggs Photography Studio, a business that was established prior to statehood. Duel would continue his career in photography, as he was employed by the Bureau of Mines as a photographer. It was during his career there, Duel captured the first photograph of an underground nuclear explosion in Mississippi. His passion for artistry did not end with the camera, as Duel was a noted and accomplished painter whose work can be seen all across these parts on various rocks, animal skulls, saw blades and other items. Duel also loved to hunt and fish. As well, he loved his horses and being a cowboy. He was a hard-working hand at some very notable ranches throughout the area such as, the Mullendore, Ben Culliver and McKinley ranches. Duel retired from the Bureau of Mines, Bartlesville. Following his retirement, he became an employee of the Corp. of Engineers in Copan to close out his tenure as a federal employee. However, he never retired as a cowboy. Duel was preceded in death by his mother and father; one son, Doug Sears; and a granddaughter, Jessica Lea. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Patsy Ruth (Cullen) Sears; two sons: Joe Sears of Austin, Texas, and Earl Sears and his wife, Jane, of Bartlesville; three grandchildren: Dustin and his wife, Shelly, Ryan and Holly Hunt and her husband, John; four great-grandchildren; two uncles: Chaunce Sears of California and Dr. Wade Sears of Florida; cousin, Jerri Paulson of Colorado; along with numerous other relatives and many dear friends.
Visitation Details
Thursday, October 11th, 2012 9:00am - 8:00pm
Service Details
Friday, October 12th, 2012 10:00am, Dewey Cemetery
Interment Details
Dewey, Oklahoma