John Z. Shearer, of Chambersburg, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 19, 2024. Born on March 27, 1928, at home in Elliottsburg, PA, he was the son of the late Vernon Loy and Ruth Zimmerman Shearer.

Growing up on the family farm, he graduated from Landisburg High School in 1946 and from Penn State University in 1951 with a degree in Agronomy (plant and soil science). John farmed with his father for 4 years, and then started his career with Penn State University in Columbia County, PA, as an assistant county agent and was overseeing the 4H program. In 1960, John came to Franklin County, PA, serving as the Franklin County Agent and extension director. He retired in 1993.

A significant agricultural change occurred in the industry during his time of leadership. John introduced NO-TILL planting to Franklin County and the Northeast. This enabled farmers to no longer have a need for plowing, disking and cultipacking.

John had great interest in home gardening, landscaping and music. He played trumpet with the New Bloomfield Fire Co. Band. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church choir for 47 years, and was the director of the Falling Spring chapter AARP chorus for 18 years.

He loved to travel, taking the family camping to the west coast and back, visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Europe and Southeast Asia. John had a great passion for salt-water fishing. He made multiple trips per year with his boat to Chincoteague, VA, flounder fishing, and to Lewes, DE.

John has been an active and current member of Kiwanis since 1953. He also volunteered with Kiwanis Int. for 4 years with the Jamaica Orphanage Project. He volunteered with United Way, Meals on Wheels, AARP, Franklin County Transportation, and others too numerous to mention. John was very giving of his time to the local community, and in June 2008 was honored to be the “Mike Waters Memorial Citizen of the Year”.

John is survived by his daughter, Patricia Shearer Leggett (Paul), his son, Kenneth L. Shearer (Sharon), his grandson, Chandler J. Shearer (Christina), and his great-grandson, Ashton J. Shearer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Penn State bride of 69 years, Pauline K. Shearer in 2023, as well as his sister, Lillian Jane Dzinanka, and his twin sister, Gladys Shearer Beck.

Graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Benevolent Fund of Menno Haven, Inc., 300 Ridgeview, Chambersburg, PA 17201.

Kelso-Cornelius Funeral Home, Ltd., Chambersburg has been entrusted with these services. Online condolences may be expressed at www.kelsocorneliusfh.com.