Vernon Shears, age 91, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on Aug. 29, 2026.
Vernon Verl Shears was born on May 10, 1935, in Mullen, Nebraska, to Verlon Thomas and Elda Laura (Morrison) Shears.
He grew up south of Whitman, northeast of Mullen, and south of Mullen. Vernon attended and graduated from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. On April 12, 1956, Vernon was enlisted into the U.S. Army and honorably served until Feb. 12, 1958.
Vernon was united in marriage to Shirley Cotant on May 10, 1959, in Mullen. The couple made their home in the Mullen area, where they raised their family. Vernon worked on the Cox Ranch, worked near Alliance, then the Haythorn Ranch, returning back to Mullen in 1972, where he worked for the Co-op for 11 years and part time for the phone company, then Cherry County, and last full time for Consolidated Telephone Company until he retired.
Vernon enjoyed square dancing, camping, fishing and going to the State Fair. He was active in 4-H and VFW.
Vernon was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, a grandson Dale Joe, his parents Verlon and Elda, brother and sister-in-law Bernard (Jan) Shears, and second wife Marion Loffredo.
Vernon is survived by sons Verlon (Mindy) Shears and Marvin Shears, daughter Vickie (Mike) McDermott, five grandchildren Jon and Bridget Weeder, Donald and Angela McDermott, Ryan and Wendy Louder, Tyler and Katelyn Shears, and Cody and Jessica Shears, 10 great-grandchildren; Dustin Weeder, Koltin Weeder, Jayden McDermott, Cooper Mc-Dermott, Jesse Louder, Kayce Louder, Rylee Louder, Sawyer Louder, Talila Shears, and Maela Shears, and sister Doris (Robert) Gartrell.
Memorial services were held Sept. 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mullen Methodist Church. Burial followed in the Cedarview Cemetery with military honors.
Memorials are suggested to the Mullen Methodist Church.
Govier Brothers Mortuary/ Mullen Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance may be left at www.govierbrothers. com.