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Carl Norwood Mears (Pop) passed away on August 3, 2026, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Delaware, with his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Wenk Mears, by his side.
Carl was born on September 20, 1934, in Wattsville, Virginia, to Joshua Mears and Carrie Justice Mears. He and his brother Woodston were raised on Chincoteague, colloquially known just as ‘the Island.’ After a short 3-week enlistment in the U.S. Navy, Carl had many careers. He delivered ice on the Island, was a shoe salesman, and worked at Montgomery Ward.
Carl and Mary were married on October 27, 1967, in Salisbury, Maryland. Together they made their way to Delaware, where he embarked on his last career working at General Foods, often coming home smelling like pudding or Jell-O. After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling across the United States with Mary, eventually seeing every state except Alaska and Hawaii. If there were a bridge to Hawaii, they certainly would have made it there too. He enjoyed reading, spending time with family and friends, eating ice cream, and watching his beloved New York Yankees.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joshua Mears and Carrie Justice Mears, and his brother, Woodston Mears.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Wenk Mears; his son, Carl David Mears (Kelly); and his granddaughter, Ashley Keith (David). He is also survived by his daughters Debbie Garges (Henry) and their children Jennifer, Brenda, Regina, and James; Cheryl Diaz (John) and their son Daniel; Carla Haflett (Lyle) and their children Isaac, Leah, Adam, Hannah, and Caleb.
Services will be held on August 11, 2026, at Salyer Funeral Home in Chincoteague, Virginia. Service will be at 11:00 am, with visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Interment will be at J.W. Taylor Memorial Cemetery in Temperanceville, VA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Special Olympics of Delaware, 619 South College Avenue
Newark, DE 19716 or the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.
Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., in Chincoteague Island, VA. Condolences may be made online at' www.salyerfh.com'
