Dennis James Stears, age 59 of Constantine, passed away Sunday, September 23rd, 2012 at his home. He was born in Three Rivers, on December 29, 1952, a son of  James R. and Patricia Joyce (Greer) Stears. Dennis graduated from Constantine High School in 1971. On January 17, 1987 Dennis married Susan Evans in Elkhart. He worked in the  options department at Royal Trailer Coach Middlebury from 2009 to 2012. Dennis previously worked United Cargo Van in Bristol. He enjoyed fishing and gardening and was a wine making enthusiast. Dennis loved to cook and was famous for his secret recipe Apple Pie and his wonderful sense of humor.Surviving are his mother Joyce Stears, Constantine, wife Susan Stears, Constantine, sons Matthew Stears of Constantine, and Gabe (Lynn Magnus) Stears of Colon, step daughter Gwyneth (Matt) Elliot of Clawson, MI , step son  Paul (Liberty) DiGiacomo of South Bend, sisters Becky (Rick) Steiner of Columbia, TN, Cindy (Brady) Parker of Centreville, brother Steve (June Earle) Stears of Constantine, grandson Devon DiGiacomo, several aunts, uncles, nieces nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.Relatives and friends will be received Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Eley Funeral Home in Constantine. Religious Services will be held Wednesday at 11 am at the Funeral Home, with Reverend Scott Manning, Constantine United Methodist Church officiating.