David Donald Shearer was born August 17, 1946, to Donald and Irene (Ferrat) Shearer in Townsend, Montana. He died on March 24, 2025, at the age of 78 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer for the last three years. He went in peace while surrounded by his loving family at home.
Dave graduated from Broadwater County High School in Townsend in 1964. After graduation, he attended Montana State University and joined the Army National Guard, where he served as a medic. In his younger years, he loved to ride his motorcycle, drive his Mustang, or play the alto saxophone in a band.
Dave married Kathy Ragen on November 22, 1969, and they had three children: Kipalee, Angela, and Jack. He later found his forever partner to spend the last 34 years of his life with when he married Mary Dale Meckling on January 5, 1991. Dave embraced Mary’s children, Craig, Joe, and Trudie Jones, and together with his children, they all embarked on many “Brady bunch” adventures.
Dave was a hard-working farmer for most of his adult life, only retiring the year before his cancer diagnosis. He enjoyed working the fields and raising cattle. He had a passion for the land and its beauty. He had a love for nature and instilled this in his children. He loved watching the sun set and the moon rise. He could be found staring out his windows at beautiful Mt. Baldy and Mt. Edith and watching for deer and pheasants to walk by his windows. His favorite evening pastime was driving around the countryside to spot and photograph elk. Just this last year, he and Mary Dale were able to go on his dream trip to Alaska. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying both hunting and fishing. He was a collector of guns and enjoyed reloading for friends and family in his free time. He was a graceful downhill skier and he spent many good weekends with family at Big Sky and Showdown. Whether in the mountains or by the water with a fishing rod in hand, Dave found peace and fulfillment in nature.
Dave had a very comforting way about him and expressed his love and pride in his family. He passed on his love for nature and taught his nine grandchildren how to fish. He found joy in teaching them how to bait a hook, find the perfect fishing hole, reel in a fish, and clean their catch. He was a patient teacher who spent much of the time on a fishing trip untangling lines and replacing bait.
Dave was a faithful servant of God and believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He always put others before himself and wanted to ensure everyone was okay. Even on his deathbed, he would ask, “How can I help?” and “Are you okay?” He is now surrounded by the glory of our Creator in Heaven and no longer has to imagine what it would be like to stand in His presence.
Dave and the family are so thankful for the care and compassionate treatment he received from the medical staff at St. Peter’s Cancer Center and Compassus Hospice during his illness.
Dave was preceded in death by his loving mother and father, his younger brother Daniel, and Dan’s wife Joni Shearer. He is survived by his wife, Mary Dale, his children Kipalee (Erik) Bakken, Angie (Dan) Clark, Jack Daniel Shearer, Craig Jones, Joe (Shannon) Jones, and Trudie Revious, his nine grandchildren: Zachary Clark (Rudrani Sarna), Ashley Clark (Forrest Havens), Karsten Bakken, Hayden (Meghan) Bakken, Wesley Shearer, Gabe Jones, Colby Jones, Grace Revious and Colton Revious and his nephews and niece: Jordan (Anna) Shearer, Sam (Charsi) Shearer, Jenna (Austin) Grazier and two great nephews: Weston and Wade Shearer and a nephew who was like another son, Chase (Daniela) Ragen.
There will be a graveside memorial service for family and friends on Monday, June 23, 2025. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com for updated service information as June arrives. Dave’s wish was to have his ashes scattered on his favorite hunting spot, “The Point” on Six Mile.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the cancer center at St. Peter’s Hospital or Compassus Hospice in Helena.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Kipalee Bakken says
Today I found the receipt for the snow pants he bought when he took the skiing class at MSU. He was the most beautiful skiier I’ve ever seen.
Cory Davis says
Dave was always a good and generous neighbor, always considerate of others. He will be missed in our community.
Skip Sherwood says
I remember hanging out with both Dave and Dan for many years in high school. Plenty of parties and fun growing up in Townsend. Dan was in my Wedding party in 1971 when I left Townsend after graduating from Montana and completion of AF ROTC. I didn’t get back very often the first 6 years after college as I was on active duty with the AF. In 1993 I got out of active duty with the AF and did get back for visits after that. My wife was Dave’s first wife’s sister Chris.
Sorry to hear about both Dave and Dan’s passing.
Skip Sherwood
wally mchenry says
So sorry for Dave’s passing he was a good friend
and it was always fun to spend time with Dave and
Dan. I spent some good timesat there ranch with
good memories made
Judy Snellman says
So sorry for your loss. Dave was one of a kind. Always with a smile. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies. Frank and Judy Snellman
Jim Ragen says
I have fond memories of both Dave and Dan, as well as of their parents. Sad passings, but wonderful memories. Best to all of theirs, Jim Ragen