Keiford Lee Shearer, 73, was born on June 5, 1938, near Almena Kansas to Leslie and Velma Douk Shearer.  He went to heaven to be with the Lord on May 25, 2012.

Keiford graduated from Lenora High School in 1956.  After graduation he worked for R.C. Leake Construction in Oberlin, Kansas, where he was foreman doing roadside and rest area construction.  He then worked for Ideal Truck Lines in Norton, Kansas as a mechanic.  He served in the Kansas National Guard and was called to active duty in 1961 during the Berlin crisis.  On June 27, 1975, he married Lucille (Lucy) Houser and they moved to Paradise and started farming.  Keiford gave Lucy the opportunity to return to her family farm that she cherished.  Even though it wasn’t a big farm, Keiford was content with what he had.  He really enjoyed riding his horses and raising cattle and hogs.  Then 5 years ago Keiford acquired a small herd of Longhorn cattle as his hobby, which he treasured and called his pets.  For years he enjoyed hunting and black powder shooting.

On March 2, 1981, they were blessed with a daughter Karen.  In 2002 they welcomed John (Ben) Patton into their family as their son-in-law.  Keiford approved of him because he enjoyed guns and hunting.  Keiford was very proud of Karen when she graduated from Kansas State University as a veterinarian in 2008.  Then on June 20, 2011, the new love in his life was his grandson Caleb Alexander Patton.

Keiford was preceded in death by his parents.  He is survived by his wife Lucy, his daughter Karen Patton and her husband John of Sellersville Pennsylvania and grandson Caleb.  He is also survived by his brothers Laynard and wife Cynthia of Scottsdale, Arizona, Gary and wife Rovella of Norton and sister Bernita and husband Willis Daniels of Norton and other relatives and friends.

Keiford was a great person that had a lot of love for God, country, and his family.

A celebration of Keiford’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at the Paradise United Methodist Church in Paradise, Kansas, with Pastor Daryl Sherraden and Pastor Sharon Thomas officiating.  Burial and graveside services will follow at the Mt. Hermon Cemetery in rural Paradise.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell.  Memorials may be given to The University Of Kansas Cancer Center and sent in care of the mortuary.  Because his family wants everyone to remember Keiford as he was before his illness, there will be no public viewing or family visitation.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.