John William Shearer, of The Dalles, peacefully passed away on November 9, 2024, at the age of 98. He was born May 5, 1926, in The Dalles, OR to Marcus and Matilda (Davis) Shearer.

John grew up in Maupin where he attended school and helped at his family’s hotel and restaurant. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force during WWII. During his service, he studied flight engineering, worked on a B17 engine change crew, trained as a drill instructor, and was accepted into a liaison pilot training program.

After an honorable discharge, John returned to Maupin where he reconnected with a high school friend, Barbara Crabtree. They were married on June 12, 1946, at the age of 20, and were married for 77 years. John and Barbara eventually settled in The Dalles to raise their four children.

John has always been interested in airplanes, starting with building model planes as a young boy. He earned a commercial and private pilot’s license and was hired as a crop duster. Despite setbacks, including a crash resulting in a broken neck, John built the business he owned and operated starting in 1950. John's impressive work ethic has made Shearer Sprayers become a multigenerational business serving the Gorge for over 70 years. Even after retiring from flying, John was always involved in the happenings of his business and its success.

John had a love for cars, airplanes, guns, cats, traveling, and spending time with his family. He was also an excellent writer with a great sense of humor, and his family and friends always enjoyed John's poems. John was the center of his family, the Patriarch, and who everyone looked to for inspiration and guidance on how to live life to the fullest. He will be remembered for his generosity, wit, determination, and fearlessness.

He is survived by son John Richard Shearer and wife Kathy; son Gary Shearer and wife Dixie; daughter Mary Johnson and husband Terry; Grandchildren Cory Erickson and wife Paula; Mandi Coats and husband John; Kevin Shearer; Marcus Shearer; John Robert Shearer and wife Jennifer; Meggan Erland and husband Alec; as well as 10 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Shearer, daughter Linda Erickson, brother C.R. "Dick" Shearer, and brother Jack Shearer who died in infancy.

Being a humble and private man, it was John's request that no formal service is to be held. Those wishing to honor his life may make a donation in his name to the Western Antique Airplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) in Hood River, OR.