May 1, 1953 - January 4, 2024

Ponca City, OK - Thomas Neal Shears, 70, a longtime resident of Ponca City, was called home on January 4, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Born on May 1, 1953, in Joplin, Missouri, Thomas was raised by Jack and Alice Shears of Galena, KS. He was one of four children. Thomas graduated as one of the top students in his class in 1971 from Po Hi in Ponca City, OK. He earned a baseball scholarship to East Baptist College, where he played semi-pro ball with the Kansas Beejays and later Emporia. Thomas was signed based on his performance at the Pittsburg Pirate try-out camp held in Carbondale, IL.

After college, Thomas worked for at a variety of different companies and held various positions throughout his career, most notable was his time spent at Buttram Pipeline, and at Conoco, later moving on to working for Wrights Masonry, and finally Thomas spent 22 years working at Albertsons Warehouse. In 1986, he fulfilled one of his biggest wishes by becoming a father. He married Kerry Orr, and they welcomed their son, Cody Shears, in 1987, followed by their daughter, Haley Shears, in 1990. Though they later divorced, Thomas and Kerry remained the best of friends.

Thomas had a passion for hunting, fishing, bowling, golf, and baseball. He was a dedicated OU fan. One of his favorite places to spend time was out at the farmhouse where his children were raised. In 2014, he became a proud grandfather to Abrielle Waller, and in 2022, he welcomed his grandson Rhett Shears.

Thomas is survived by his son, Cody Shears of Ponca City, OK; daughter, Haley Waller, and son-in-law Park Waller of Ponca City, OK; grandchildren, Abrielle Waller, and Rhett Shears; brothers, Jack and David Shears; sister, Linda Shurtz; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack N. Shears, and mother, Alice E. Shears.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Paid Obituary