Mark D. Shearer, Lt. Col., Ret.

Mark D. Shearer, Lt. Col., US Army, Ret., 99, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2017 at Columbia Cottage, Palmyra. Born Friday, August 3, 1917 in Palmyra, he was the son of the late William K. and Mamie E. (Dougherty) Shearer. He was preceded on death by his wife Arlene (Gingrich) Shearer in June 2007, and his first wife Ruby Madge (Murphy) Shearer in December 1982.

He was a 1935 graduate of Palmyra High School. Entering the army in 1941, Mark was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Assigned to North Africa, he was promoted twice earning the rank of Captain. Serving his country for over 23 years, he retired as a Lt. Colonel.

Mr. Shearer was an active member of the Palmyra Lions Club and Palm Lutheran Church. He enjoyed golf and a good ice cream cone. A world traveler, he enjoyed trips to Europe, Alaska, winters in Ft. Myers Beach, FL, and summers in Stone Harbor, NJ.

He is survived by a son Kenneth Shearer of Plano, TX; grandson Kristopher Shearer; granddaughter Amanda Shearer and great grandson Liam Shearer, all of Krum, TX; and two step sons: Cal Gingrich and his wife Mauree, and Aldus Gingrich, and their families.

Mr. Shearer was also predeceased by a daughter Judith Shearer, a grandson Cary Shearer and a sister Pauline Batdorf.

Services with Military Honors will be private and held at Fort Sheridan Post Cemetery in Lake Forest, IL at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements entrusted to Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home& Crematory, Palmyra.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkerbinderFamily.com