He was born on Jan. 10, 1946, in Parsons to Robert Francis and Pasty (Burris) Shears. He was raised in Lyons and attended school there. He later attended and graduated from Erie High School.
During the Vietnam Conflict, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Upon his discharge from active duty, he remained in the Army Reserves until retiring in 2006. He relocated many times while serving in the Army, but lived most of his life in Southeast Kansas. In 1972, he moved to Parsons, where he worked at the Parsons State Hospital and Training Center. He also taught high school for a few years in Jennings and Purdy, Okla. He later worked many years at Power Flame, from which he retired in 2006.
On Nov. 23, 1970, he married Judy Winters at Parsons. She survives of the home. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent time gardening and planting flowers. He also liked to hunt and fish and tinkered with many things.
In addition to his wife, Judy, survivors include his daughter, Brandy Olivera of Pittsburg; a grandson, Connor Olivera of Pittsburg; three brothers, Jerry Shears of Mindenmines, Mike Shears of Osawatomie and Bryon Shears of St. Paul; and three sisters, Cheryl Riebel of LaHarpe, Kate Carnahan of Lawrence and Becky Shears of Iola.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Kendall Olivera; and a brother, Jim Shears.
The service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Carson-Wall Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Thomason officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery with military honors given by the Fort Riley funeral detail. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the Disabled American Veterans and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 942, Parsons, 67357.
Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.
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