Mr. Joseph Shears, age 94, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 24, 2014 at approximately 9:30 A.M. at Lost Creek Care Center in Lima.

He was born on Aug 3, 1919 in Florence, Alabama to the union of Randall and Sarah Smith Shears, both who preceded him in death.   He was raised by his Stepmom Callie Shears who also preceded him in death.

He was united in holy matrimony to Fannie Mae Cook who preceded him in death on March 4, 1999.

Mr. Shears retired from Teledyne Ohio Steel.  He was a veteran of the United States Army and a Mason. He was a member of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church and a former member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where he had been an usher and sang in the choir.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory a daughter,  Tina Shears and a step-daughter, Leona Robertson both of Lima.  12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.  A host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by 3 children, Rodney Shears, Carmen Shears and Adriene Shears and a granddaughter, Valerie Robertson.   A sister, Miriam Shears and two brothers, Harvey Shears, Sr.  and Robert Lee Shears.