Francis B. Shawver

Francis Bert Shawver, 84, of Davenport, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2013. Francis was born on October 26, 1928 in Perry, Iowa, son of Don and Edna Shawver. After attending Davenport Central High School and Iowa State University, he married Lynda J. Coffin in 1955. Dedicated to his family and community, Fran used his many talents as an inventor, designer, electrician, machinist, carpenter and mason to enrich the lives of everyone he touched and always with a smile on his face! He was a Boy Scout Leader, a 4H instructor, and a teacher of electronics at Blackhawk College in Moline. He loved singing and listening to Barbershop music and was a member and former president of the Chordbusters chorus. Together with his brother Ward, he created and owned/operated Shawver Company, a landmark on Brady Street from 1956 – 1985. He then worked for Crescent Electric for ten years. After his retirement, he continued to work volunteering his special talents for anyone that needed his help, his hands being an extension of his heart. Fran was affiliated with Hilltop Campus Village since its inception 2009, along with a handful of others who recognized that neglecting one part of a community diminishes the whole entity. He served on its first board of Directors and as its chief architect. When the city-wide Design Review committee was formed, he was proud to be asked to serve as a HCV representative. Up until the end of his life, he was working on projects related to enhancing the Hilltop area.Fran had a number of hobbies throughout his life including being a pilot and class II radio operator but he mostly enjoyed helping his family and friends with their projects. His patience and persistence allowed him to produce perfectionism in any task he undertook. His mind remained sharp even after his ability to use his many tools faded, when he continued to provide help to First Presbyterian Church, Hilltop Campus Village and The Clearity Foundation among others.He is survived by his wife Lynda; Brothers: Ward and Bruce; Children: Shari, Laura, Carl and Beth; seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. A pillar of strength to his family, Francis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald.Fran’s legacy lives through his children and his many accomplishments, his generosity, compassion, know- how and love for family and friends. A memorial service is not planned at this time but memorial gifts can be made to the charity of choice. Suggested organizations include Hilltop Campus Village, First Presbyterian Church, The Harmony Foundation and The Clearity Foundation.