Thomas Robert Shearer

Doctor Thomas Robert Shearer passed away in Portland, Oregon on December 4, 2024. Thomas was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 11, 1942 to the loving parents Robert Burton Shearer and Ann Mizel Shearer. Thomas and his family moved to Illinois where Thomas attended Maine Township High School in Park Ridge, Illinois.

During Thomas’s busy and amazing life, he attended Beloit College where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree and was awarded a science award. He continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin where he earned his Masters of Science degree. Thomas finished his studies at the University of Wisconsin where he earned his PhD and was given another science award.

Thomas met his wife Lise at age 14 in science class. They later married after Thomas graduated with his Bachelors of Science Degree at Beloit College. They later moved to Madison, Wisconsin so Thomas could attend The University of Wisconsin. After settling into their new life in Wisconsin they adopted two beautiful children Matthew and Yvette.

Sometime after receiving his PhD, Thomas and his family came to Oregon and Thomas began his carrier at OHSU at the Casey Eye Institute where he worked as a Biochemical eye researcher for 50 years. As many great men do he retired kind of for 10 years.

During his lifetime, Thomas received many science awards and professional honors awards. Along with the prolific writing of NIH, and many other grants of science and in journal of science papers recognition. He also served as a consultant with Senju Pharmaceuticals, collaborating on important ongoing research regarding the Calpain Inhibitor.

Thomas had many interests, such as his love of learning, books, and computers, however, woodworking was what he was most passionate about and loved to make working wooden tug boats up to 18’ long, and wooden toys for his grandchildren.

Thomas was known for his quick witted jokes and loved to play with the grandchildren at their level. He was also known for his kind heart, his devotion to his wife of 60 years, children, grandchildren, and what a loving man to all he held close.

Thomas will be joining his son Matthew, and is survived by his wife Lise Shearer, his daughter Yvette McKinley, his grandchildren Hannah and Brandon McKinley, his son-in-law Steve McKinley, his brother Robert Shearer, and cousin Sharonlyn Shearer.

Thomas will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and church community at Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon.

A memorial service for Thomas will be held Monday, December 16, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW SUNSET HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97225, followed by a graveside service from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM.