Earl Shaffer Jr.

Earl Shaffer, Jr., 85, originally from Findlay, OH, passed away on Jan 7th, 2016 in Marysville, WA. after a series of complicating health issues, including severe heart and kidney failure. He left this world peacefully and joyfully, in the arms of his Lord, with his family by his side.

Earl was born in Findlay, OH on March 17th, 1930. He was the only son (of 5 children) born to Clarence Earl and Bessie (Hoffman) Shaffer. He is preceded in death by 3 of his sisters: Virginia (Phil) Gardner, Lois (Barney) Duryea, and Joan (Ernest) Heilman.

Earl is also preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Iris M. (Peregoy) Shaffer, who passed away in 2006 after an 8-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Earl is survived by 1 sister, Muriel (Curley) Reigle, 3 children: Earl G. (Marilyn Kidd) Shaffer, Douglas J. (Cindy Wentz) Shaffer, and June E. (Brian) Tallman, 7 grandchildren: Grant Shaffer, Elya Shaffer, Kendra Shaffer, Aubrey Shaffer, Micaela Shaffer, Christopher (Kirsten) Tallman, and Jennifer (William) Frankhouser, and two great-grandchildren: Brooke and Zachary Frankhouser.

Earl graduated from Findlay High School in 1948 and worked with his father at McCullough Motor Sales, as a skilled diesel mechanic. He also worked at Acme Beverage Co, and Findlay Industries.

Earl was an avid bowler, and in 1956 bowled a three game series high of 729 - the highest seen in 6 years. Earl, also known in the bowling circuit as “Junior Shaffer,” scored the single highest game of 277 in the “all-star series”. He also belonged to #227 F. & A. M. Masonic Lodge, and was a Korean War artilleryman, attaining the rank of master sergeant.

Earl and Iris ran Greenfield Acres Antiques in Ohio, specializing in the refinishing and repair of early, primitive pieces, as well as specializing in the collection and resale of highly sought after “Findlay Glass”.

Earl welcomed Jesus Christ into his life in 1975 and subsequently became a member of First Baptist Church in Findlay, OH, where he was a greeter and usher. Earl had a heart for the lost, and for many years drove the church bus to pick up children for Sunday school.

Earl and his wife Iris moved to Marysville, WA in 1995 to “escape the snow” and to be near their daughter and young grand-children. There, they continued their antique business, creating “Maudie’s Antiques”, selling their wares in various local antique malls including, Star Center, Black Cat, Aurora Antique Pavilion, and Finders Keepers.

Earl and Iris were both active members of their local church – Marysville First Baptist. Earl later became a founding member, head usher, and respected deacon of Berean Baptist Church, his final church home.

In 2014, Earl suffered a debilitating stroke and became a beloved resident at the Marysville Care Center. This past summer he represented the Care Center when he was crowned strawberry festival king and rode in the local parade. He brought daily smiles as he wheeled down the halls in his famous minion and ninja turtle pajamas. He enjoyed his regular visits from his family, especially from his great granddaughter Brooke. He was able to meet his newest great grandson 5 days before becoming ill. Earl and his sweet and gentle spirit will be sadly missed. He brought joy to all he touched - residents, staff, church friends, family, and friends far and near.

At the request of Earl, no public memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Berean Baptist Church, 601 Delta Avenue, Marysville, WA 98271-4542.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Marysville Care Center and all the caring and loving individuals that Earl gave so much love to – and received so much love from. They would also like to thank all those that, through voiced and unvoiced acts of care and love, have so faithfully stood beside Earl and the family.