Patrick F. Sheern

Patrick Sheern, 80, of Garnett, Kansas, passed away on August 6, 2021, at home with his loving family by his side. Pat was born in Garnett, Kansas on October 23, 1940, to Ralph Sheern Sr. and Rose (Clauser) Sheern. He graduated from Garnett High School in 1958. After graduating he joined the United States Navy where he served our country from 1962-1965. He was stationed on the USS Hornet as an electrician. He talked fondly of his time served in the Navy and enjoyed sharing stories from that time in his life.

On August 25, 1962, he married Margaret (Schiffelbein) Sheern, they later divorced. Through this union they were blessed with three children. Diane Sheern Keeler of Garnett, Kansas, Danny Sheern (Lyn) of Topeka, Kansas, and an infant son Timothy Sheern that died shortly after birth.

Pat attended Emporia State University, receiving a degree in Special Education. Pat was a Secondary Special Education Teacher, which he took great pride in. He started his teaching career in Marysville, Kansas until he moved his family back to Garnett in 1973. He then started the Special Education program at Prairie View High School. While at Prairie View, he started the Southeastern Special Olympics and was very active in the organization. He was also instrumental in hosting annual Special Olympic track and field events at the Garnett High Football Field. He also would travel all over the state with his students, so that they could compete in events such as basketball, volleyball, rodeo, talent shows, and bowling. During his teaching career at Prairie View he was awarded Special Education Teacher of the Year at the State and National level. In 1982, he moved to Parsons, Kansas and continued his teaching profession serving as principal of the Parsons State Hospital Alternative School, and as administrator at the Fairfield Alternative Program in Chanute.

While living in Garnett, Pat was very active in youth baseball, coaching many teams with his good friend Dick Miller.

Upon his retirement he found his second passion, which was traveling. He was able to make it to every state, along with every continent including Antarctica. His love of traveling created many great stories to add to his never-ending list. As much as he enjoyed traveling, he enjoyed sharing his experiences with anyone that would listen. Anyone that knew Pat would tell you he always had a story to share, and every story contained humor, wit, and some exaggerations. If you knew Pat, you also knew he was a jokester and loved to make others laugh. He had an excellent ability to tell stories that were so believable that you never knew if it was true, somewhat true, or completely fabricated.

Survivors include: his children, Diane Keeler and Danny Sheern (Lyn), and his grandchildren whom he bragged about to everyone whenever he had a chance. Those grandchildren include: Janae Nilges(Greg); Brant Morris (Karlyn) all of Whiting, Kansas; Brock Sheern, Bryan Sheern (Kate), and Ashley Sheern, all of Topeka, Kansas; Great Grandchildren: Kessley Nilges and Jaxon Sheern.
Pat is also survived by his partner of many years, Alfreda Seeber, many nieces and nephews, his early morning Dutch Café coffee group, and many friends, colleagues, and classmates.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Ralph Sheern Jr, Gene Sheern, Marilyn Powelson, and Rosalee Myers; sister-in-law, Martha Sheern and brother-in-law, John Powelson; nephews, Mark Powelson and Thomas Powelson; and niece, Christina Sheern.

Funeral services for Patrick will be Monday, August 16, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery in Garnett, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice and left in care of the funeral home. The family is asking that you dress casual, jeans and t-shirts are encouraged. Condolences may be left for the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com