Oldsmar, Fla. – Jeffrey Wayne Shera, 58, of Oldsmar, Florida, formerly of Laurel, passed away at 11:20 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2017, at Suncoast Hospice, Palm Harbor, Florida. Born in Batesville, Indiana on October 26, 1958, he is the son of the late Evan “Lester” and Norma McPherson Shera. He grew up in Laurel, Indiana and graduated from Laurel High School in 1977. He joined the military in June 1977 and spent over 26 years as a member of the United States Army Special Forces. He rose to the rank of Sergeant Major. He retired from the military on September 30, 2003, and began working for the United States Special Operation Command as a contractor at first and later as a Department of Defense civilian at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. As a member of the Special Operations Command, he contributed in many ways to the success of those special operators known as “The Quiet Professionals.”
He lived in Oldsmar, Florida from September 1998 until his death. He was a member of the Laurel Masonic Lodge #447 for more than 25 years. He was also a Life Member of the Special Forces Association.
He is survived by two nephews, Christopher Burgdoerfer and wife, Tiffany of Connersville, Indiana and Jeremy Burgdoerfer of Everton, Indiana; two great nephews, Brayden and Mason Burgdoerfer; a cousin, Tonya Reese and husband, David of Laurel; and a cousin Glenn Anthony and wife, Kathy of Cambridge City, Indiana. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his half-brother, Darrell Burgdoerfer.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 18, 2017, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home, 1704 Grand Avenue, Connersville, Indiana. Eric Hopkins officiated. Laurel Lodge #447 conducted Masonic Memorial Services at 1:45 p.m. on Monday. Friends and family visited on Monday from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Burial followed at Laurel North Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army Honor Guard and the Fayette County Veterans Council. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation at www.specialops.org. Friends may visit anytime online at www.millermosterrobbins.com.