Pete Shears, 77

Eugene Norman “Pete” Shears, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Goshen Hospital.

He was born November 14, 1946 in Sturgis, son of the late Ernest and Anna Marie (Winkleblack) Shears.

Pete was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1964 where he excelled in athletics, especially baseball. Following his graduation he furthered his education at the Fort Wayne Business School.

On June 16, 1972 he married Janet Phillips in Angola.

Pete retired from Morgan Olsen in Sturgis following 38 years of dedicated employment as a machinist. He also worked with George Mayer on the gladiola farm in Burr Oak, and bartended at the American Legion in Sturgis for several years.

He was a member of the Lima United Methodist Church in Shipshewana and Eagles Lodge #1314 and Loyal Order of Moose #574. Pete enjoyed hunting, fishing, and in his younger years playing baseball. For many years he was a league bowler at the Sturgis Bowl and he was an avid loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings.

Pete is survived by his wife: Janet; daughter: Jennifer (Michael) Miller of Goshen; sons: Kevin (Meredith Hill) Shears of Sturgis and Jeffrey Shears of Battle Creek; grandchildren: Ashley Shears of Houston, Texas, Jacob Shears of Centreville, Bradley Shears and Edward Shears both of Howe, Indiana and Gabriel Miller of Goshen; one great grandchild; sister-in-law: Sharon Shears of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Royce Dean Shears.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, November 20th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Eugene “Pete” Shears will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 21st at the Lima United Methodist Church, 6900 N 450 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565. The Rev. Jeff Stedge will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the Ontario Cemetery in Ontario, Indiana.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Shears’ memory consider the Lima United Methodist Church 6900 N County Road 450 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565 or the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.