Wendell Harmon (Peanut) Fears

Wendell H. Fears

Wendell Fears, born December 18th, 1961, to William H. and Dorothy E. Richardson-Fears-Johnson, transitioned to Glory on, July 12th, 2018.

Wendell affectionately known as “Peanut” to some and “Moose” to others was educated in Pittsburgh Public schools, attended Brashear High School, and received his G.E.D. in 1977. He also attended art school where he learned how to refine his artistic skills to support his passion for drawing.

Peanut served in the Army and was Generally Discharged under Honorable conditions after having served his county faithfully. While in the Army Peanut won several awards for weightlifting and strength, solidifying his nickname “Moose”.

Peanut was an avid weight lifter, and loved to push his body to get bigger and stronger. He loved to stand in the mirror, flex his muscles, and make his chest muscles jump up and down.

As an artist, Peanut loved to draw. It was not uncommon to find him with a pencil in his hand doodling on a canvas. Peanut was so talented that he won several prestigious awards at the Three River’s Arts Festival. During a period of about 3 to 5 years, Peanut’s drawings garnered him several 1st to 3rd place finishes.

Peanut’s other significant pastime was harassing and picking on all his nephews and nieces. Peanut adored and loved all of them, and his tormenting tactics were just his way of letting them know how much he really loved them.

Peanut was a die-hard Steelers fan. In the 70’s he was enamored by the size of the biceps of Mike Webster, and John Kolb that he was always doing curls trying to catch up these two men. Unfortunately, an illness attacked his body as a young man in his twenties which limited his physical abilities, but as his norm, he kept living and fighting through his pain. Despite not having the activities of his legs, it was not uncommon to find Peanut rolling up down the streets of Pittsburgh in his wheelchair or gurney.

Peanut was a very creative thinker, and although his body was limited, his mind stayed sharp. The illness he had, combined with the lack of respectful treatment and care he received, led Peanut to start his own Investigation 

Agency. He became a staunched advocate for improved care of the disabled and elderly. While he was battling with his own health issues and challenges, he also fought for the betterment of others.

Wendell’s best decision occurred in 1982 when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and savior and he was baptized by Reverend Harold Fowler at the Friendship Baptist Church.

Peanut leaves to cherish his memory his two older sisters, Kathryn (Cookie) Grayson-Lovejoy and Diane Fears, both of Pittsburgh, Pa. One older brother, William H. (Bumper) Fears III of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Two younger sisters, Darsetta (Candy) Johnson, and Alfreda (Peachy) Kerley both of Pittsburgh, Pa; one special friend, Valerie Harris, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Wendell was proceeded in death by his wife 17 years, Polly Pegues; his loving mother, father, sister Donna Lynn, maternal Grandmother, Kathryn E. Richardson Snell; maternal Grandfathers, Arthur Richardson, and Elder “Bud” Snell: Uncle, Rev. Theodore (Teddy) Pollard; Great Aunts, Dorothy Majors, and Martha Johnson.

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