Jerry Lee Shearer, 85, of Ottumwa, died at 10:55 p.m. April 16, 2026 at Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa.
He was born January 19, 1941 in Kirksville, MO to Royal and Juanita Stout Shearer. Moving to Ottumwa at a young age, he graduated from Ottumwa High School. Jerry served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1968. While serving at Ft. Baker at the northern foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in California, he met his future wife, Maryann Lisa Theresa McFarland. The two were married on July 28, 1965. They lived in London for two years while Jerry was stationed there with the U.S. Army and moved back to Ottumwa in 1968. He worked at the Ottumwa Sewage Treatment Plant, from where he retired.
Jerry was an honorable and resilient man. In his retirement, he enjoyed his dogs as well as traveling with his wife whether it was going on a cruise or camping. He also enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals, westerns and reading; reading his bible every day.
Surviving is a son, Brian (Tammy) Shearer of Knoxville, IA; 5 grandchildren, Brandon (Courtney), Bradley, Callie (John), Laney and Dylan; 2 great grandchildren, Hudson and Kallee; daughter-in-law, Kayleen Shearer of Ottumwa; two sisters, Peggy Short of Branson, MO and Carole Sue Parcel of Ottumwa; two brothers, William “Mike” Shearer of Hahira, GA and Don Shearer of Pueblo, CO; and Jerry’s childhood, lifelong friend, Jim Handling.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Maryann; a son, Alan Shearer; a great-grandson, Emmett Shearer; a brother, Earl Shearer; and three sisters, Judy Shearer, Barbara Barker and Doris Yeoman.
His body has been cremated. Graveside services and inurnment will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 22nd at Shaul Cemetery with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating. Military honors will be conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
