Joseph "Joe" Ervin Shafer

Joseph Ervin Shafer (JOE), 76 of Keezletown, VA died July 21, 2019 at home surrounded by family. Joe was born June 8, 1943 in Marlinton, WV. He was the son of the late Mary Wotring Shafer and Walter Shafer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Fred, Jack and Tom. Joe was dedicated to work, family and helping others. He was an early riser and an avid coffee drinker. He was a jack-of-all trades, working with wood, chainsaws, small engines, painting, repairing fences, lawn mowing and tinkering on cars. He cherished his work and friendship with the Strickler family of Dogwood Hill Farms. He served with the United States Navy. Joe is survived by two brothers, Philip Shafer of Marlinton, WV and Bill Shafer of Lexington, NC; two sisters, Pat Carter of Chesapeake, Ohio and Mary Lee Roy of Marlinton, WV and a special aunt, Barbara Wotring Warsinsky of Morgantown, WV; and numerous nephews, nieces and special friends. Joe spent the majority of his life in Virginia with Fred and Linda Shafer and their children, Walter Shafer III (Jan), Teresa Shafer, Jacqueline Werner (David), Karen Hensley (Bob) and Daniel Shafer. Nephews and nieces--Brian, Jordan, Lauran Shafer; Zackary, Joshua, Erin, Jamie Werner; Nicholas, Hunter, Riley Hensley. Funeral services will be July 26, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Van Reenen Funeral Home in Marlinton, WV. Family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Marlinton. Family and friends may call or visit his house at any time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fisher House Foundation—Helping Military Families 12300 Twinbrook Parkway #410 Rockville, MD 20852. Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg is handling local arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com.