Gene Shearer

Throughout his rich and rewarding life, Gene Shearer was a man of purpose who worked hard to support the family he loved. He was never one to focus on building wealth or gaining possessions, rather, his focus was simply on making the most of every day he was given. Together with his wife, Gene was thrilled to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. A lifelong resident of the Schoolcraft community, he was the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. Gene will be deeply missed, but he will never be forgotten.

The year 1929 is often recalled as the year of the historic crash of the stock market that sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. Although the 1920s were years of prosperity, the 1930s were a time of incredible hardship as jobs became scarce and the unemployment rate soared to over 25 percent. Things only went from bad to worse when a drought added more strain to an already crippled agricultural industry for nearly two years. It was just prior to this historic day that a young couple from Schoolcraft, Michigan, was delighted with the birth of a baby boy on February 27th. Gene was born in the family home on West “U” Avenue and weighed in at only four pounds at birth. He was the second of four children born to his parents, Glen and Luella (Porter) Shearer, and as such a little one they were certain to keep the oven going to keep him warm.

Raised alongside his siblings, Coleene Mae, Edwin Earl, and Wanda Marie, Gene experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. His father farmed and also worked at the paper mill while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Gene was imprinted with a strong work ethic by helping his grandfather on the farm, and he also was part of the local 4-H with both pigs and dairy. Gene also knew how to drive a plow and a horse and buggy at a young age, and he attended Sunday school and Bible school as a boy. He attended local schools including Schoolcraft High School where he played football for one year. Gene went on to graduate from high school in 1947. From there he took a short two year course in Agriculture at Michigan State.

As a young man Gene was eager for all that life had in store. He spent two years in the United States Army, serving in Korea as a mechanic, painter, and welder. Gene also worked hard throughout his career in a variety of industries. He spent about a year and a half at Allied Press and seven years working in garages for Krum Chevrolet. Gene also farmed for 20 years and was a mail carrier for 18 years.

Not to be forgotten while he was busy working hard was Gene’s introduction to the woman of his dreams. Her name was Elizabeth Ann Woodhams, and her parents bought the Pomeroy farm that backed up to his parents’ farm. One afternoon Gene’s family received a phone call that one of their sheep had gotten into the Woodhams’ field, so Gene and his father went over to check it out. Elizabeth was the one who showed them where the sheep was, and after loading up the sheep she hitched a ride back to the house with Gene and his father. To show his appreciation, Gene asked Elizabeth to the Buele Lake Ranch on the Fourth of July. The rest is history as they say. However, it always was a bit of a mystery how the sheep got through the fence as Gene and his father saw no hole or break in the fence for animals to get through.

With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Gene and Elizabeth became husband and wife on April 9, 1961, at the Schoolcraft Methodist Church. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Carl Lee and Karen Eileen. Gene was a devoted father, and he was an active part of his children’s lives. The Shearers didn’t take many vacations, but they did take some short trips here and there and also looked forward to the Shearer reunion every year.

For as long as he was able, Gene was one to keep busy. For years he repaired and salvaged cars of all kinds as he had a way with all things mechanical. Being part of his community was very important, and he was rather social and outgoing, too. Over the years he was involved with the Masons, an Eastern Star Patron 15 times, and also a member of the Schoolcraft American Legion, Portage - Schoolcraft Eagles, Grange, Masonic Retiree's Club, and Schoolcraft First Presbyterian Church. Gene enjoyed both country and western music as well as hymns that have a beat.

A kind, hardworking, and compassionate man, Gene Shearer was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was completely devoted to his family and enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by the ones he loved. Deeply loved, Gene will be forever missed.

Gene Shearer, of Schoolcraft went to be with the Lord December 13, 2014. Gene’s family includes his wife, Elizabeth; 2 children, Carl (Lisa) Shearer and Karen (Patrick) Morgan; 4 grandchildren, CJ, Rachel, Caleb, and Ashley; and sister, Wanda (Paul) Stuck. Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Edwin Shearer in 1987, and his sister, Coleene Watkins in 2013. Learn more about Gene and visit with his family and friends from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler, 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900) with a Masonic service at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday at the same location. Immediately following the burial at the Schoolcraft Cemetery there will be a gathering with food and fellowship at the Masonic Lodge in Schoolcraft. Please visit Gene’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner Children’s Hospital of Chicago.