Kent Shearer
1929 ~ 2007
Kent Shearer, age 77, died peacefully August 23, 2007, in Portland, Oregon.Kent was born October 5, 1929 in Ellsworth, Kansas to William Shearer and Agnes (Phillips) Shearer and was married to Alice Neff in Russell, Kansas, January 25, 1952.
Preceded in death by wife, Alice, and daughter Lorraine (Lori). Survived by son Edward (Bo) and his wife Renee Montmorency, grandsons Samuel and Beau of Portland, Oregon and sister Jane Shearer of Kansas City, Kansas.
Kent graduated from Russell High School in Russell, Kansas with honors. He participated in the debate, drama, and forensics program and won two State Championships in debate. He attended Kansas University and earned a degree from the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences with Phi Beta Kappa honors. He continued with debate on the KU varsity team, winning many individual tournaments across the country, including the National Invitational Tournament and twice being invited to participate in the West Point Nationals. In 1954, Kent received his law degree from Kansas University and entered the Army Judge Advocates Corps where he served until 1957.
Kent and Alice made their home in Utah from 1958 until Alice's death in 1997. Although a lawyer by trade, Kent's passion throughout his life was Utah politics and the Republican Party. He was an active organizer of the Salt Lake County and Utah Young Republicans during the 1960's and 1970's and served as the Utah State GOP Chairman from 1971 to 1973. Kent was a key behind-the-scenes member of many political organizations and campaigns (including Alice's political career as a Salt Lake City Council member). He penned a much discussed and anticipated column in The Enterprise Newspaper on a wide range of topics for over 30 years.
After Alice's death in 1997, Kent moved to Portland, Oregon to be close to his son's family. He pursued an intellectual retirement, spending his time reading, writing and providing all the answers to his grandsons' many questions.
Kent's accomplishments were many. However, all pale in the light of his sharp mind and quick wit, his basic sense of decency and the many people he touched throughout his life. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at St. Marks Cathedral, 231 East 100 South, Salt Lake City on Thursday, August 30, 2007 at 1 p.m. Following the service, a reception in Kent's honor will be held at the Alta Club, 100 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City.