KENDALLVILLE — Paul Edward Shaffer, 90, peacefully went to be with his heavenly father at 7:01 p.m. on Friday, April 20, 2012, at his home outside of Kendallville with his family by his side.
He was born in Garrett on July 29, 1921, to parent Ralph Waldo and Maude Mae (Williams) Shaffer. His mother passed away when Paul was only 10 years old and then he had a loving stepmother, Lulu Likes Uhl Shaffer.
He graduated from Garrett High School in 1942. He then entered the U.S. Army in July that same year. He was a medical technician at Colorado Springs, Colo., and Chickasha, Okla., reaching the rank of corporal. He was discharged from the Army in January, 1944.
Paul married Betty Jane Eklund on Nov. 7, 1943, in Rockford, Ill., and she survives in Kendallville.
After leaving the military, he worked at Barber Coleman in Rockford. He then moved back to Garrett and worked at the Studebaker Automobile factory in Fort Wayne, then going to the B & O Railroad and Ort's Jewelry Store in Garrett. He retired from the railroad July 1, 1981.
Paul wasn't a stranger to anyone and was willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anythin his girls or friends brought to him that was broken. He was a patient and gentle man, teaching others what he knew.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years; nine daughters, Linda (General Smith) Stanton of Fort Wayne, Carolyn (Gary) Warfield of Fort Wayne, Janice (John) Mitchell of Garrett Diane (Dick) Rhodes of LaGrange, Kathy (Jerry) West of Auburn, Anita (Dennis) Deminger of Fort Wayne, Darlene (Brent) Emerick of Fishers, Gwendolyn Swogger of Kendallville and Paula (Don) Hemphill of Clinton, Utah. He loved spending time with his 24 grandchildren who survive: Pul Rigby; Sandy Dressler; Louise Crago; Betty Sampson; Andrea Richardson; Erin Nay; Daniel Nay; Jeff Mitchell; Rachelle Haslett; Rita Keen; Dari West; Kevin West; Jennifer Roussel; Michael Derringer; Christy Brock; Joe emerick; Martin Swogger; Katrina Weaver; Patrick Swogger; Anna Swogger; Crhistopher Hemphill; Amber Hemphill; Timothy Hemphill; and Josh Hemphill; and with his 30 great-grandchildren and one gret-great-granddaughter. Also surviving is one stepsister, Virginia Castator of California.
He was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters, Dorothy Kemery DeRemer, Lewis "Bud" Shaffer, Harry Shaffer, Ruth Billingsly. Phyllis Best, Robert Shaffer, Richard Shaffer and Eugene "Gene" Shaffer; one stepsister, Mildred Traster; three sons-in-law; his grandson, Jacob Mitchell; and two great-grandsons.
His remains were cremated and his ashes interred at the Marion National Cemetery in Marion. There are no visitiation nor services. Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville was in charge of arrangements. |
