There already has been a lot of stories related to the life of Leo Chears-The Man in the Red Vest, and many people have remembered his great career achievements and marveled at his vast knowledge of jazz.
Leo was a loving family man and was kind to all he met. I worked briefly with him when he held the mic at WRTH. One evening, I chatted with Leo in the studio. As pure jazz wafted over the airwaves, I said, “You like good food? I just love sweet potato pie.”
The next night, as I greeted Mr. Chears, he handed me a neatly wrapped, large slice of – you guessed it – sweet potato pie. He was quick to say that his wife made it and she made the very best there is. Just a simple gesture, yet it illustrates the caring man he was.
His last name was so appropriate, huh? Many cheers for Mr. Chears. Rest in peace, Leo.
Roger H. Courtney
St. Louis