William Emmitt “Bill” Shafer of Winslow passed into the Lords keeping July 4, 2014 in Fayetteville surrounded by his family. He was born March 25, 1946 to William H Shafer and Zella Mae Shafer in Gallatin MO. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 sisters.
He served in the United States Navy as a radar man during the Vietnam War; among his duties he was responsible for dispatching vessels to pick up downed pilots as part of the Navy seals and was honorably discharged as an E-5. Bill was a member of the Boston Mountain Volunteer fire department as a first responder as well as a member of the Boston Mountain Fire Board association. He worked for EPC as a tool and dye maker and retired from there. Bill loved spending time outdoors fishing or just enjoying the day. His family was his greatest love.
He is survived by his wife Chan E Shafer whom he married June 5, 1966 of the home, daughter Michelle Leach and husband Dean of Winslow son Troy Shafer and wife Julie of West Fork, his grandkids Michael Leach of Fort Smith, Amber Leach of Winslow, Janalee Shafer and Justin Shafer of West Fork and great-grandkids Jaiden Leach and Lainey Murray of Winslow. He is also survived by his Brother-in-law Don Sanders and wife Rosalyn of Kansas City MO, sister-in-law Rena Shafer and husband John of Kansas City MO, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends Friday, July 11, 2014 from 5-7 at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held Saturday at Beard’s Funeral Chapel at 2:00 PM with John Shafer officiating . Burial will follow at West Fork Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.
we are so sorrow to hear about Bill he was a great man.
So sorry for your loss! Bill was a wonderful, caring man. He never passed judgment and took the time to get to know a person. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
“Billy” and I were in the same graduating class from Gallatin High School in 1964. We just had our 50th reunion and Billy was discussed and missed by many of us in attendance.
Billy had a fun loving personality as a kid growing up and I am sorry that I was not able to experience that as an adult. Please know that I send my most sincere condolences to his entire family. I know he will be missed. I will inform our other classmates as we all share in your loss.
Phil Tate
Gallatin, Mo
Gallarin, Mo
I was a classmate of Bill’s all through our years in Gallatin, MO. As Phil Tate mentioned in his condolence, we missed Bill at our recent 50th reunion. I’m the one that sent out the annual letter in regard to the alumni banquet and always hoped we would hear back from him. So sad to hear of his death.
He did have a fun personality and sort of fit in the category of “class clown” (in a low key way). I have fond memories also of his parents and sisters.
So very sorry for your loss but please know that class members and Gallatin friends will remember him.
Our hearts go out to you all! We are so sorry that we can’t be there to celebrate Bills life with you! We love you guys so much!
So sorry for your loss. My prayer’s are with all of you.
so sorry to hear about Bills passing. Chan you and the family are in my prayers.
Bill was my classmate at Gallatin High School. I well remember him and his sister, Dorothy, both fun-loving redheads! So sorry to hear of his passing. Sounds like he made a great life for himself and for others.
I am very sorry. I went to grade school and high school with Billy.
Sue Runnels Johnson
Our deepest condolences to Aunt Chan and family. Ron’s, Mike’s, and my hearts were all saddened to hear about the passing of Uncle Bill. Mom (Dorothy) and Uncle Bill were always close and she always talked highly of her little brother and all the memories of growing up with him and their older sister, Georgie. Our love and heartfelt prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May God keep you in his blessing. Love you all.
Pam Heath
Platte City, Mo.