Anion Burch Shearer

Anion Burch “Tony” Shearer, 97, entered his eternal rest in Eufaula, Oklahoma, surrounded by the deep love of his family. After a courageous and faithful battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Papa met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ face-to-face in Heaven. Born on September 3, 1928, Burch lived a life defined by an industrious work ethic, and an unmatched devotion to his family. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work while providing for his family in many venues until finally retiring from the Georgia Pacific Chemical plant in Louisville, Mississippi. He was born in Mashulaville, Mississippi, where he lived until he was 12. During the depression, his family moved west to Stockton, California. He married his devoted wife in Las Vegas, Nevada, and settled down in Stockton until 1971 when he returned his family to his home state of Mississippi. His favorite song was “Dixieland”, because it reminded him that someday he would return to his beloved state. Beyond his work, Burch attended the First Pentecostal Church in Noxapater, Mississippi. He was a man of creative talents which included photography for which he had a degree obtained in California. Woodworking was a favorite pastime where many people in Winston County have a piece of his talent. He was an avid reader and gardener. One of his sayings was, “I’m a jack-of-all-trades, but the master of none”, but he excelled at everything he put his hand to. He had a wonderful sense of humor, which he carried through his illness. He traveled across the United States with his wife on many trips to visit family left behind in Stockton and Coalinga, California. He served in the United States Army during Word War II in the Azores and Italy in the post-war reconstruction effort for eight years. While serving, he worked as a photographer, lab technician, and firefighter. During his service, both of his knees were crushed in an accident. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal and Army occupational Medal. He passed on to his sons, Walter, who served in the Air Force; and Tony, who served in the Army Special Forces, a deep love of serving their country. God blessed Burch with 68 beautiful years of marriage to his devoted wife, Patricia Mapel Shearer. Together they made their home in Noxapater on the land he cherished and were blessed with three beloved children. His memory will be forever cherished by his wife; their three children, Schella Stone (John) of Noxapater, Mississippi; Walt Shearer (Lisa) of Eufaula, Oklahoma; and Tony Shearer (Tammy); his brother-in-law Mike Mapel (Donna) of California; his sister-in-law Joann Shearer of California and his wonderful grandchildren, Keith Higginbotham (Shannon) of Noxapater, Caleb Shearer, Jacob Shearer (Marilla) , Weatherbee (Jacob) of Newton, Mississippi; Emily Shearer of Florida, Corey Nelson (Lindsey) of California, and Jake Nelson of California. He also leaves behind five precious great-grandchildren: Levi, Lily, Daniel, Ava, and Avery. Burch was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Thomas Barrett Shearer and Tinnie Avery Vantassel; his sisters Jessie Knutson (Ted), Elizabeth Conner (Glenn), Jewel Hammond (Kenny) and brothers Walter Shearer, Joe Shearer, and Tommy Shearer and his beloved granddaughter, Amanda Shearer who he will lie beside at the Sunrise Memorial Cemetery in Noxapater. Visitation and funeral chapel service will be held at Massey Funeral Home on N. Columbus Avenue in Louisville, Mississippi, with Pastors Tim Flake and William Shepheard officiating. A graveside service will follow immediately after the chapel service at Sunrise Memorial Cemetery on Highway 15 in Noxapater. Visitation will be Saturday, August 29 from 10 a.m. until service time. Immediately following in the chapel at Massey Funeral Home at 11 a.m. the funeral will commence. Memorials in honor of Burch may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org or by mail to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Services are under the direction of Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, Mississippi. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.masseyfuneralhome.net.

Anion Burch Shearer

September 3, 1928 - August 12, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Anion Burch Shearer

September 3, 1928 - August 12, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification