LCDR John Willis Shearin USN (Ret) Services for LCDR John Willis Shearin USN "Ret" will be held Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 11:00 at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Carless Evans and Reverend Dano Rainer officiating. Burial will be in Arkadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mr. Shearin, 86 of Bailey, died Monday, January 18, 2010 at Infinity Hospice. Mr. Shearin was an active member of Arkadelphia Baptist Church where he was a devoted member of the Men's Sunday School Class. He enlisted in the Navy in 1941, at the age of 17. He found a love for flying as an Aviation Machinist Mate. In 1943, he requested and was granted entrance to the Navy's flight training program. In 1946, he was selected for Officer Candidate School. In 1960, he entered Helicopter Training School. He attained the rank of Lt. Commander and in his 35+ years in the Navy, he flew over 60 models of aircraft, including multi engine transporters, jet fighters, attack bombers, seaplanes and helicopters. His decorations reflect 12 ribbons, 3 combat V's, 4 Good Conduct Awards. and is credited with 13 overwater rescues. In 1976, he was named Helicopter Pilot of the year by the CNATRA. His Navy service included stateside duty in WWII and Korea, and 2 deployments to Vietnam. Upon his retirement in 1976, he flew another 10 years as a corporate pilot and instrument flight instructor. He has since devoted himself to the Retired Officers Program, the Silver Eagles Association, as an avid bridge player with his friends at The Meridian Duplicate Bridge Club, his church, community and family. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Jeannine, daughter, Anita Cabral and her husband Bill Jenkins of San Diego, CA, son, John Shearin, Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, step daughters, Jennifer Adams and her husband Walter of West Memphis, AR, Brenda Nowell and her husband, Greg of Philadelphia, MS, 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 4 children, twins, Henry and Doreen Shearin, Kay Shearin and step-daughter, Lisa Smith. Family requests donations be made to Arkadelphia Baptist Church Building Fund or Ebenzer Ministries. Visitation will be held Wednesday, 5-8 at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Allen Nowell, Evan Shearin, Trey Berry, Jason Kennedy, special friends, Jimmy White and Harrell Pace.
