Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
C. R. “Dick” Shearer, 93, of Lebanon, passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 5, 2014.
He was born January 14, 1921 on Juniper Flats near Maupin, Oregon to Marcus and Matilda (Davis) Shearer.
Dick grew up in Maupin and attended his schooling there. While in high school, he was a State All-Star in basketball and also was a member of the football team and band. After graduating from high school, he drove a dump truck for road crews in the Maupin area. He then attended Willamette University where he studied education. He joined the Army Air Corps and was stationed in Europe during WWII. Dick served in the 93rd Troop Carrier Group as a glider pilot where he flew Waco CG4As and co-pilot in C47s. He flew 3 missions during the war; the D-Day Invasion in June of 1944, Operation Market Garden in Holland in September of 1944, and the Rhine Crossing in March of 1945. Dick was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, 4 Campaign Battle Stars, the Bronze Arrowhead, the ETO Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal.
After Dick’s honorable discharge, he moved back to Maupin where he met his future wife, Rojean Terry. He and Rojean were married on March 14, 1948. Dick attended Western Oregon College of Education where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree and later received his Master’s Degree from Oregon State University.
The couple moved to Lebanon, where Dick worked at Seven Oak School. He worked as a math teacher and coach and eventually became the school’s principal until retiring in 1981 after 31 years with the Crowfoot School District.
Dick enjoyed playing golf and was a scratch golfer. He also enjoyed fishing, flying, camping with family, wood working, gardening and reading. He was a history buff and enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren during their sporting events.
He was a member of the First Christian Church in Lebanon, the American Legion Santiam Post #51, the Lions Club, and the Good Sam Club. Dick and Rojean volunteered as drivers for the Elks Club Blood Bank to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland.
He is survived by his wife Rojean Shearer of Lebanon; son Scott Shearer and his wife Susie of Lebanon; daughter Susie Ceniga and her husband Tony of Junction City; brother John Shearer and wife Barbara of The Dalles; grandchildren Shawn Ceniga and his wife Andrea, Ryan Ceniga and his wife Brandi, Tyler Ceniga and his wife Lindsey, Todd Ceniga and his wife Bonnie, Andrea Kauffman and her husband Cody, and Stacey Christiansen and her husband Chris all of Junction City; and great-granddaughters Faye, Emme, and Lucy Ceniga and Andrea Christiansen also of Junction City; also many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jack Shearer who died in infancy.
A graveside service will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, February 11th at Fir Crest Cemetery in Monmouth. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 12th at the First Christian Church in Lebanon with a reception following at the American Legion Santiam Post #51 located at 480 Main St. in Lebanon.
Contributions in Dick’s memory may be made to Lions Vision Gift or the Wounded Warrior Project sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 W. Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.
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