David Lowery Mears, 76, of Gravette, died June 8, 2026. He was born Feb. 9, 1950, in San Diego, Calif. After spending his early childhood in Topeka, Kan., he moved to Sheridan, Ark., where he attended high school, met his wife, married, and began his family.

During the Vietnam War, Mears served in the U.S. Army as a heavy equipment operator. Working on the front lines, he drove armored bulldozers to clear dense jungle terrain for supply routes. The assignment left him heavily exposed to Agent Orange, a sacrifice he bore with the same strength that defined his entire life.

Mears worked as a claims adjuster until his retirement. At home, he was a builder and inventor who spent his time working outdoors, listening to music, and crafting his own custom tools and inventions. Family was his greatest joy.

He is survived by his wife; three sons; a daughter-in-law; and ten grandchildren.

Services will be private.