Louis H. Shears Sr.

Louis Henry Shears Sr. was born January 15, 1959, in Eudora, Arkansas, to the union of Leola M. Shears (Rowe) and L. C. Shears. He was the second child born of seven children.

After his family migrated to Kansas City, Missouri, they united with Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of first, the late Rev. Albert Colbert, followed by Rev. Joseph Fletcher, and currently Rev. Dr. K. Brian Davis Sr.

Louis was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri School District and graduated from Paseo High School in 1977.

He dedicated many years of service to the Kansas City medical community, working at Children’s Mercy Hospital from 1993 to 2004 and Truman Medical Center from 1977 to 2004. Throughout his career, he contributed to several essential roles—including kitchen cook, laundry worker, and Central Supply—always taking pride in supporting patients, staff, and the daily operations of each hospital. Louis was a man of remarkable character whose life was defined by love, compassion, and selfless service. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone who crossed his path. Whether it was giving someone a ride to a doctor’s appointment, taking them to the grocery store, or helping them pay their bills, he gave freely of his time and kindness without expecting anything in return.

He faithfully served as the head of Greater Mount Zion’s Church Kitchen Ministry, preparing meals for church events with love and dedication. For him, serving others was more than a responsibility—it was a calling. Through every meal he prepared and every act of kindness he extended, he reflected the love of God.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Leola M. Rowe; his father, L. C. Shears; his sisters, Anna LaFaye and Ruby Jean Turner; and his granddaughter, Kimberly Lewis—each of whom went before him and now welcomes him into a peaceful reunion.

On Sunday, June 28, at the age of 67, Louis peacefully responded to the Master’s call, entering into his eternal rest with grace and serenity.

He leaves behind a devoted family who will forever cherish his memory: his children—Tedra Mack, Jevon Guess, Michelle Shears, Micheal Shears, Louis Shears Jr., and Irene Hayslette; his bonus daughters—Tiffany Wilson, Andrea Shearns, and Joy Fisher—all of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also lovingly remembered by his nineteen grandchildren, seven great‑grandchildren, and his siblings—Luceal Shell, Dan Douglas Jr. (Mishon), Denise Smith, Earnest Shears Sr. (Kimberly), Charles Shears Sr. (Loni), Evelyn Rowe, and Nikki Rowe—all of Kansas City, Missouri. He is further survived by his stepbrother, Harold Dean Rowe (Niki) of Arkansas City, Kansas, along with special friends—Terry Bradford, Karen Templeton, Peggy Millbrook, Ellen Watson, Michael and Sherri Edwards—and a host of loving relatives and friends who will continue to honor his legacy.