Richard L. Shere
November 17, 2011

A memorial fund has been established.

Richard Leroy Shere, one of four children of Melva Marie (Hardy) and Charles Marion Shere, was born on June 5, 1933 in Malvern, Iowa. Richard was almost 3 years old when his father died. His mother remarried a couple of years later and the family moved to live in Arkansas from 1938 to 1945, before returning to Malvern. He attended school in Malvern through the 7th grade. Richard worked for his uncle, Truman Hardy, in his painting and wallpapering business, until he was drafted into the United States Army in 1953. Richard served stateside as a dental assistant during the Korean War. Following his discharge in 1955, he returned to Malvern and worked briefly again for his uncle before taking an electronics course at R.E.I. in Omaha, Nebraska. Richard worked at Martin Milling in Malvern until September 1958, when he sustained injuries to his hand. In 1962, Richard began work as an auto body technician at Viner's Body Shop in Malvern and worked there for 31 years until 1993. He worked for a year at Cisco's Service until he retired in 1994.

Richard and Joanna Lee Mackey were married on June 26, 1955 in Glenwood, Iowa. They made their home in Malvern and their marriage was blessed with three children, Kari Susan, Mark Edward, and Douglas Richard.

Richard was a quiet man who thought deeply before making any decisions. He enjoyed rabbit hunting. Richard also enjoyed traveling and camping with his family. His passion was tinkering and he loved restoring classic cars, using all original parts. Richard was especially proud to have completely restored a 1928 Model A. He was a fan of John Wayne and loved listening to Johnny Cash, but above all, his family and grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Richard and Joanna were married 56 years, when Richard passed away on November 17, 2011 at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, at the age of 78 years, 5 months, and 12 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Linville Wallace; and nephews, Rodney Shere, Steven Huey, and Justin Shere.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife Joanna Shere of Malvern; daughter Kari Abel and husband Tom of Omaha; sons, Mark Shere and wife Pam of Lakewood, WA, and Douglas Shere and wife Christina of Malvern; eight grandchildren, Ben Shere and wife Donna, Nikolai Shere, Ashley Abel, Kristy Abel, Katelyn Shere, Clayton Shere, Jordyn Shere, and Mackynzie Shere; sister Mona McDaniel and husband John of Council Bluffs, IA; sister-in-law Francine Shere of Omaha; aunt Mildred Hardy of Malvern; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.

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