John William Schearer
John William Schearer was born November 16, 1916 on the family farm in Hope Township, Michigan to W.C. and Anna Schearer. He joined siblings Sarah, Harley, Wilma, Clair, and Mabel.
He attended school in Hope Township and in Midland, Michigan.
After high school, John attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois and Gordon College in Boston, Massachusetts before joining the Army Air CORP(USAAC) in 1943. He served as a B17 pilot, flying 33+ missions over Europe, including D-day, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 3 Oakleaf Clusters.
Upon being discharged from the USAAC, John moved to California to attend Aircraft Mechanic School in Manhattan Beach, with thoughts and dreams of becoming a missionary pilot. It was while he was in California that he was introduced to Dorothy Bridges who would become the love of his life of the next 66 years.
God redirected John’s life and plans and he and Dorothy moved to Boston to attend Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. While there, they were blessed with their first daughter, Gail. They returned to California upon graduation, and John went into full time ministry as a pastor. He served in various communities around California including Lebec, Strathmore, Palmdale, Dinuba, Sacramento, Fresno and Clovis. Four more children, Cindy, Susan, Carol, and Jay, were added to the family during these years. When he retired, he continued to preach and teach wherever God opened an opportunity. He and Dorothy attended Riverpark Bible Church in Fresno, serving in several capacities
John was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. and Anna, 5 brothers and sisters & his beloved wife, Dorothy. He is survived by daughters, Gail Mertz (Wally), Cindy France (John), Susan Ahlstrand (Marvin), Carol Arzate (Pete) and his son, Jay (Janna). He leaves 15 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews to whom he will always be Uncle Johnny!
A Memorial service will be held at Riverpark Bible Church, 7500 N Millbrook Ave, Fresno, CA on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritans Purse in John’s honor. (Www.samaritanspurse.org)
To sign the family guest book or send condolences please go to www.myersfuneral.com. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.