Max Allen Shearer

Max A. Shearer, 86, of Somerset, Kentucky, died Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. He was born on September 20, 1937, in Monticello, Kentucky, to parents Ralph M. and Mildred P. Shearer. The family moved to Somerset in 1952 when Max's father bought Somerset Milk and Ice Company; the name was subsequently changed to Southern Belle Dairy. Max graduated from Somerset High School in 1955, and, after attending the University of Kentucky, he was employed by the dairy from 1958 until his retirement in 1997. At the time of his retirement, he was CEO and Vice President of Plant Operations.

When Max moved to Somerset, one of the first people he met was Arlene Waddle; they began dating at the age of fourteen and married in August 1957. At the time of his death, they had been married 67 years. They have two children, Lynn Shearer, of Somerset, and Ralph A. Shearer, of Brighton, Colorado.

Max was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church, and he loved his church and its ministers. Max had a beautiful strong, low bass voice, and he was a faithful member of the church choir. He also served Grace Baptist as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, moderator, and volunteer receptionist.

After Max retired, he and Arlene ("Mom") traveled the country in their van. They visited 47 of the contiguous 48 states, somehow missing Rhode Island. Whenever possible, they enjoyed visiting the state capitals of each state. Max also enjoyed trains, and he and Mom would often go park in Burnside and watch the trains go by. He enjoyed watching sports on tv, and especially cheering on the Kentucky Wildcats and the Cincinnati Reds. In addition, he enjoyed reading religious literature and studying the scriptures. His faith was very strong and he loved his Lord; he died praying.

Max was a man who loved to laugh and loved life. He was a generous, loving husband and father, and was considered a dear friend by many. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Besides his wife and children, Max is survived by his brother, Martin (Libby) Shearer, brother-in-law, Terry (Jan) Waddle, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Gaynelle, and a nephew.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 340 Oak Leaf Lane, in Somerset. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the service. Dr. Todd Meadows will officiate. Pallbearers will be Harrison "Hotdog" Childers, Arthur Crawford, Chad Davis, David Moody, David Murry, and Stephen Showalter. The Deacons of Grace Baptist will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aides who work on the second floor at Somerwoods Nursing and Rehab for taking such wonderful care of Max during the last year of his life. We never worried about him because we knew he was in capable hands. Thank you for loving him.

Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.