From 1961 to 1965, John served his country in the United States Navy as a cryptographer, attaining the rank of RM2 (E5). His assignments took him through the Cuban Missile Crisis, NATO exercises, and the Dominican Republic mission. He was honored with the National Defense Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Presidential Cold War Service Commendation, and multiple unit commendations.
After his military service, John worked for the U.S. Post Office for 33 years. Upon retirement, he also followed his calling to counsel and encourage others, earning a Bachelor of Biblical Counseling from the Master’s Graduate School of Divinity.
John’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren, who filled his days with laughter and love. He never missed a chance to watch them do what they love—whether it was playing a sport, dancing, or singing on stage. That joy was rooted in his deep faith in Christ, a faith he lived out daily as a member of Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen. The words of John 10:10—“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full”—were his life’s testimony. In a beautiful God-wink, John entered eternal life at exactly 10:10, the very verse that guided how he lived. He was known for his steadfast character, gentle humor, and the quiet ways he lifted the lives of those around him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Nile Shearer and Ella Jane Shearer Lee. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha Ruth Masters Shearer; daughter Kristi Guzinski and her husband, Patrick; son Jason Shearer and his wife, Sarah; grandchildren Jacob and Grace Guzinski, and Joe and Levi Shearer; his brother Kenneth Shearer and wife, Annette; and a number of beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23 in Allen, Texas. Friends may contact the family for details. John will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Texans on Mission, an organization with which John once served, dedicated to sharing God’s love through hands-on disaster relief, construction, and community outreach. Donations may be made online at www.texansonmission.org or by mail to Texans on Mission, 5351 Catron Drive, Dallas, TX 75227.
