Keith A. Shearer, 92, died Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at West View Healthy Living with family at his bedside. He was born January 24, 1931 in Wadsworth, Ohio to Reno and Mildred Shearer.
He graduated from Wooster High School in 1949 where he was later inducted into the Wooster High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Keith graduated from the College of Wooster in 1953 where he was a “W” man. He pitched on the baseball team and was a member of the College of Wooster Scots Basketball OAC 1951-52 championship team of Mose Hole. It was there at Wooster College that Keith met and fell in love with a tall cheerleader named Freddy Beamer. They married on September 6, 1953 then traveled to El Paso, Texas where Keith served as a radar instructor in the U.S. Army from 1953-55.
After the army, now a family of three, the Shearers made their home in Columbus, Ohio where Keith obtained his law degree from Ohio State University in 1957. They then returned to Wooster where Keith opened a private law practice in 1958. He soon was elected City Solicitor of Wooster, serving from 1960-1964. Keith became Assistant County Prosecutor serving from 1965-1967 and was then (repeatedly) elected Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney, serving from 1967 through 1996.
Always active in the community, Keith belonged to the Wayne County Bar Association; Wooster Kiwanis; Elks Lodge; Izaak Walton League; Masonic Lodge and Al Koran Shrine; Wooster United Methodist Church; the Wayne County Republican Party; and he coached Little League at Miller Field. An avid sportsman, Keith enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf in his later years.
Born and raised in this area, Dad was a country boy at heart, imbued with traditional values and a desire to make a difference. He was a quiet, gentle lion of a man, solid as a rock, fiercely protective and, as Mother always said, He was “honest as the day is long.” He believed that a man should take care of his own and should always do the right thing. And he did.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Loren A. Shearer, and his wife, Freddy. He leaves behind daughter Wyn (Doug) Jones, daughter Dawn (William) Stanton, son Todd (Marilu) Shearer, three grandchildren and four great grandsons.
A small, private family service will be held at a later date when extended family can attend.
If they wish, friends might donate to the Izaak Walton League, c/o Linda Peterson, 4491 Mel Ln, Wooster, OH 44691 or to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
The family would also like to thank Hospice and the entire nursing staff at West View Healthy Living for their conscientious and loving care of our father.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
I’m so very sorry to hear of Keith’s passing. He was an outstanding individual and it was an honor to serve as one of his assistant prosecutors from 1988 to 1994. He was a pleasure to work for and a man of impeccable integrity. I was also in Kiwanis with Keith, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him, as well as by the community at large.
Prayers for Keith’s family. Always a Gentleman. Keith and Freddy were both incredible souls – and now they are back together again.
Julie Leathers Stahl
I’m so sorry for your family. I worked for Keith for many years at the prosecutors office. He was a great man and he will be missed.
Todd, Marilu and family we want to offer our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. May our Lord’s love and guidance bring you comfort through coping with the loss of your dear Dad. We will be holding you in our prayers.
Scott & Robin Sampson
My Dad knew what he was doing naming me after is college roommate, basketball teammate.
Keith was a hell of man, father, and husband.
Many great memories in the duck blind and chasing Pheasants.
He will be missed.
I am sorry for your loss. He was a gentleman with a quiet sense of humor. He will be missed.
Todd, I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I will always remember you were there for me when my father passed away and I’m here for you if you need me. Thoughts and prayers for you and Marilu.
Wyn, Dawn & Todd, My sincere condolences on the passing of your father. Many great memories of fishing/hunting excursions over the years. I also had the privilege of working with Keith in a professional setting and he was an excellent Lawyer.
Thank you for your service. Condolences to the family.
My sincere condolences to Keith’s family and friends, he was an outstanding man who cared about those around him and his community.
Thoughts and prayers.
It is with a sad heart that l write this condolence. Your Dad was a great man and was always willing to help give insight to me in my earliest law enforcement career. Wooster has lost a true pillar of this community. Officer Ken Linz (retired)
After leaving Wooster in 1969 with a degree from The COW, I periodically returned to Wooster to visit my many family members. I was aware of Mr Shearer’s vast contributions to Wooster and to Wayne County as he adhered fairly to the principles of law. City and country so fortunate to have received his civic and legal contributions over several decades. God bless him and his extended family.
Noema and I send our condolences and prayers in this difficult time of loss. Stay strong in faith that now your father has been reunited with his wife forever.
I met Keith when I started in Law Enforcement in Wayne County in 1969. I saw him as a true professional, totally honest man, who always seem to make the right decisions. I had a great relationship with him. I liked him and it was quite apparent that he thought well of me. He was a great man.
My condolences to you all.
Amy Grasgreen Potter
Keith hired me as an assistant prosecuting attorney, and I worked for him for nearly 10 years. He was truly a man of honor. My condolences to his family, and may he be well-remembered.
Dear Todd and family, I’m sending my sincere condolences regarding your dad. Keith was the county prosecutor when I started my 30 year career with the county. He was always fair and honest and just a really great guy. I truly respected and appreciated him. Sending you prayers and heartfelt hugs.
We are so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. Deepest condolences. Jana Hesser
In condolences to Mr. Keith Shearer. I do Not expect you to know who I am (Jim Appleman), but my Dad & Mom were friends of Keith!
I know they send their love from Heaven where Keith will also RIP!
God Bless the Family
Jim Appleman
Machias, Maine
I too worked for Keith as an assistant prosecutor from 1994-1996, which were a couple of the most enjoyable years of my 35 year legal career. He was a genuine man of integrity, a model for all, but especially for those who had the privilege and honor to work for him.
A faithful servant to his family, church and many community organizations; dedicated and respected lawyer; distinguished gentleman; good neighbor; fine athlete. It was an honor to know him.
I am sorry for your loss. He was a good man and prosecutor. He will be missed.