Wells R. Shearer

Wells was born Jan. 31, 1935, in Princeton, the son of John Cleve and Helen Marie (Kane) Shearer. He was a graduate of Tampico High School. He was united in marriage to Damaris Jane Briggs on Aug. 19, 1956, and they later divorced. He then married Barbara Schadel on May 28, 1994, in Colona.

Wells had been employed at the John Deere Parts Distribution Warehouse in Milan for 30 years, retiring in 1996. He also had been an attendant at Gaylord’s Gas Station in Colona for many years. Wells was a member of Geneseo Moose Lodge No. 990, and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed playing softball, hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes, spending time with his family and playing pool. 

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Julie (Steve) Derick of Atkinson and Janelle (John) Carlton of St. Cloud, Minn.; one son, Rudy Shearer of Colona; four stepchildren, Thomas (Tami) McNair, Kathy (Tim) Olson, DeAnn (Matt) Huber and Terri (Brian) Jacobs; 17 grandchildren; and two sisters, Bonnie Cox of Colona and Jerria Baumgartner of Walnut.

He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and four sisters.

Visitation was Tuesday at Vandemore Funeral Home, Ltd., in Geneseo. The funeral, celebrating his life, will be at 10:30 a.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be at Tampico Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Wells R. Shearer Memorial Fund.

Visit www.vandemorefuneralhome.com to send condolences.