Gene A. Shears, age 62 of Bluffton, IN and formerly of Garrett, IN died at 11:40 a.m. Tuesday, August21, 2012 at Meadowvale Health and Rehabilitation in Bluffton. He was born April 7, 1950 in Auburn, IN to Wilbur W. and Beatrice F. (Weilbaker) Shears and she survives in Ft. Wayne. Gene married Carol Lyn Baker on July 21, 1979 in Ft. Wayne and she died June 15, 2007. He had worked at North American Van Lines and was a member of the Garrett United Methodist Church. Gene is also survived by a daughter, Ashley Shears of Louisville, KY; a son, Tyler (Libby) Shears of Arkansas; a brother, Jerry W. Shears of Leo and a sister, Kathy (Jim) Greer of Grabill. Services will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, August 24, 2012 at Thomas Funeral Home in Garrett with visitation from 4-7 p.m. Pastor Jack Teeple will officiate. Memorials are to Meadowvale Health and Rehabilitation or Garrett United Methodist Church