Donnie Sheer

Donnie Lee Sheer passed away peacefully at the age of 85 in Austin, Texas, in the early morning of December 18, 2023.

Donnie was born on September 6, 1938, to Tom and Ivy Brumley Sheer, northeast of Pickton, Texas. He spent most of his early years in Dallas but returned home to Hopkins County to become a member of the Pickton High School Class of ’57.

After graduation from high school, Donnie joined the U.S. Army then continued his service with an enlistment in the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS John W. Thomason. Following his military time, he worked at several different jobs, including the dairy business with his family.

His next adventure was enrolling in East Texas State University, now Texas A & M- Commerce, where he met and married his loving wife, Ruth, in 1967 and earned a degree in Agriculture in 1969. After graduation he began working for The Texas A & M University Office of the Texas State Chemist as a feed and fertilizer inspector. He covered a territory from Vernon, Texas, to the top of the Texas Panhandle in his early years with the agency. He then moved back to Sulphur Springs in 1976 to cover a territory in Northeast and East Texas, concluding his career with more than 30 years of state service.

During his retirement years, he enjoyed tooling leather products—billfolds, belts, plaques, and coasters for friends and family. In 2012, he and Ruth made the move to Dripping Springs, Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Donnie loved spending time with his growing family and passing on both good humor and life lessons that will always be cherished. Donnie was known and will be remembered for his many passions throughout his life including poetry, art, jokes, wine, BBQ and classic country music.

Donnie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth Emily Sheer, two sons and their families: Tom, Julie, Augustus, and Hayes Sheer of Paradise Valley, Arizona; and Jim, Lauren, Barrett, and Brady Sheer of Dripping Springs, Texas. Also surviving him are sister-in-law and niece Evelyn and Kim Cross of Bonham, Texas, nephew and niece Terry Ray Sheer of Pickton, Texas, and Missi Sheer West, many cousins, and a host of friends.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents: Tom and Ivy Sheer, his brother, Terry Von Sheer, sister-in-law, Venita Courson Sheer, brother-in-law, Edmund Cross, plus several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on December 30, 2023, at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home, Sulphur Springs, Texas, with a short visitation period prior to the service.

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