Starting in 1911, Sears Monument Co. has had three different locations in Charleston WV. The first one, from 1911 to 1918, was at 1001 Virginia St. E where the Charleston Newspapers is today. The second one was at 510 Virginia St. E. From 1918 to 1972, where the United National Bank stands today. The third and current home is 124 Virginia St. East. Roy Oscar started the business in Charleston after studying the growth potential of Charleston, Parkersburg and Wheeling. He was advised to start the business in Parkersburg, but he did not.
Mr. Sears brought his father and brother to Charleston from Washington Court House, Ohio to operate the newly formed business. Not appreciating the lack of growth, Roy resigned his wholesale road job to take over the active management of the company. Mr. Sears father died in 1927 followed by his brother in 1934. The first branch was started in Beckley in 1939.
In 1946 Roy's oldest son, Roy B, joined the company. His youngest son, Jack, joined in 1949. Roy O retired in 1952 after the death of his wife. Roy and Jack operated a partnership until 1960 when it was dissolved. Jack continued the company and incorporated the business in 1965. Roy O died in 1972. Roy B died in 1998.
In 1988 Brent, Jack's youngest son, was elected president of the corporation. He continues to operate the company on a day to day basis. Jack's oldest son, John, manages the Huntington branch which was purchased in 1972. Jack died in 2001.