Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Longtime Worland resident and former Mayor of Worland, Lawrence Walter "Sonny" Shearer passed away peacefully at his home in Worland with his wife Marion at his side.

Sonny was born on December 29, 1941 in Olney, Illinois to Dorothy M. (Beavers) and Walter E. "Walt" Shearer. He lived in Illinois until moving to Worland, Wyoming with his family in 1948.

He then attended schools in Worland where he excelled in athletics. He was a four year letterman in high school, lettering in football, basketball, wrestling and track. He was a strong swimmer, and taught swimming and lifesaving in Worland for several years, and managed the Worland swimming pool for several years.

After graduating with the Class of 1960, he attended Northwest College at Powell, then Chadron State College and the University of Wyoming. While attending college he married Marion J. Leiper in Worland in September 1963. After obtaining his teaching credentials he taught history and coached at Worland High School for several years.

Sonny then worked for a time in construction in the local oilfields before going into business for himself. He owned and operated Worland Liquor, Goose's Liquor, Worland Services and Big "A" AutoParts before going back to the school system where he drove the athletic department traveling bus and was a grounds keeper for 20 plus years.

He was active in community affairs where he served on the Worland City Council and was the Mayor of Worland. He also had served as a board member for the Worland School District.

His hobbies included fishing, watching TV and visiting with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Sonny is survived by his wife Marion Shearer of Worland; by his sons L. Gavin (Patti) Shearer of Omaha, NE and Kenneth Shearer of Worland; by his sister Marla (Elvin) Smith of Laramie, Wyoming; by his grandchildren Bailey Shearer of Omaha, NE, Kaitlyn and Kameron Shearer of Worland; and by his nephew Chad (Susie) Smith of Cody, WY and niece Kimberly (Gordon) Williams of Longmont, Colorado.

His funeral service will be held on Monday, July 11th at 11:00AM at the Washakie County Fairgrounds Building. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Worland.

Memorials in his name may be made to the Worland Recreation Department at P. O. Box 1351 – Worland, WY 82401.