David J. Bear, 77, died April 6, 2015, in his Kempton home, in the presence of his loving family.

He was the husband of the late Joyce E. (Walley) Bear, who died in 2010.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late Harold and Della (Adams) Bear.

A lifelong farmer and Christmas tree grower in the Albany Township area, he also worked for approximately 15 years for the former General Battery Works, Reading, during this time.

He was a peacetime veteran having served with the Pa. Army National Guard.

A 43-year member of the Kempton Lions Club, he served in every club office including past president.

He was awarded both the Melvin Jones Fellow and the Bing Miller Fellow for outstanding character, devotion and humanitarian services in District 14-P of Lions International.

A 1955 graduate of Kutztown High School, he was a member of the Kempton Fire Company.

His survivors include a daughter Connie L., wife of Jerry Brown, of Slatington; son Chris D. of Kempton; sister Beverly, wife of Barry Kochel, of Columbia, S.C. and granddaughters Jessica and Rebecca Bear.

He was predeceased by a sister Mabel Ketner.

Contributions in his name may be made to Animals in Distress and/or to the Kempton Lions Club, c/o the funeral home, 8405 Kings Highway, New Tripoli, PA 18066.

Condolences may be recorded at nesterfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements made by Nester Funeral Home, Jacksonville, Lynn Township.