Gary Dean Shear Sr., age 69, of Swanton, passed away unexpectedly at his home early Tuesday morning August 29, 2017.  He was born May 15, 1948 in Gary, IN to the late J.G. Halford and Loretta Shear.  Gary graduated from Hobart High School in Indiana and later served with the U.S Navy during the Vietnam War.  On June 9, 1987 he married Terry Ann Eversen and she survives.  Before retiring, Gary was employed as a maintenance man with Bittersweet Farms in Whitehouse, OH.  Ministry and serving the Lord was close to Gary’s heart and from which he was called to pastor the Jesus is Lord Ministry in Hancock, MI before serving 18 years with Faith Community Church in Grand Rapids, OH.  Gary also was very active in prison ministry in Wisconsin and Alcoholics Anonymous.  Some of his favorite hobbies included golfing, camping, ancestry and especially volunteering as Santa Claus at the nursing home and other events.  He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Terry Ann Shear; children, Thomas Vincent Williford of California, Gary Thomas Shear of Memphis, TN, Shawn Renee (Paladen) Harris of Memphis, TN and Gary Dean Shear Sr. of Indianapolis, IN; sisters, Joe Ann, Maria and Kathy; brothers, Terry and Tony Lee; and grandchildren, Tabatha Renee Parker, Gary Robert Thomas Shear, Alexa Rachel Knowles and Matthew Christopher Shear.  Friends will be received on Sunday, September 3, 2017 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM at the Dwelling Place, 131 E. Airport Hwy, Swanton, Ohio 43558; with a memorial service beginning at 3:30 PM.  Arrangements are entrusted with Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St. Hwy. 109 in Delta. Interment will be private at his family’s cemetery in Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family, care of Terry A. Shear.  Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com

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