Gary Burnett Shears

Gary Burnett Shears, age 79 of Fremont, passed away on Friday afternoon, January 30, 2026 at the Newaygo County Compassion Home in Fremont. He was born on August 26, 1946 in Fremont, Michigan to Burnett Vernon & Jane Elaine (Dill) Shears. Gary was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam Era. He had owned & operated Shears Forest Products for many years and was known as the "wood man" until his retirement. He had been the children's pastor for many years at Outpouring Worship Center in Ravenna where he was known as Gospel Gary. He had also been the assistant pastor at Trinity Baptist Church in Bridgeton, and he held bible study meetings for the youth boys at his home. Gary never had a problem telling people about the Lord. He was an avid fisherman and he especially enjoyed ice fishing. He also enjoyed deer hunting & going to the casino. Gary is survived by 3 children: Brent Shears of Cass, Michigan, Kari (Jeff) Swanson of Grant, Kayla (Amador) Tovar of Fremont; 11 grandchildren & 2 great-grandchildren; his former wife, Pamela (Malcolm) Bryant of Sanford, Michigan; sister-in-law, Chris Shears of Cedar Springs; and by several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kory Burnett Shears; grandson, Axel Burnett Shears; son-in-law, Deverin Simons; sisters: Judy Brugel, Joanne Sishco, & Karen Gebhart; and by his brothers, Bill Shears & Brian Shears. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held in the spring of 2026 at Solon Township Cemetery. There will be no visitation at that time. Suggested Memorial: The Newaygo County Compassion Home. You can sign the online guest book at www.kroeze-wolffis.com. Arrangements are by Kroeze-Wolffis Funeral Home, Inc. of Fremont.