William 'Bill' Shafer

William "Bill" Shafer of Winslow passed into the Lord's keeping July 4, 2014, in Fayetteville surrounded by his family. He was born March 25, 1946, in Gallatin, Mo., to William and Zella Shafer. He served in the U.S. 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 VFD as a first responder and member of the Boston Mountain Fire Board Association. He retired from EPC as a tool and dye maker. Bill loved spending time outdoors fishing or just enjoying the day. His family was his greatest love. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Chan Shafer; daughter, Michelle Leach and husband, Dean, of Winslow; son, Troy Shafer and wife, Julie, of West Fork; grandkids, Michael Leach, Amber Leach, Janalee Shafer and Justin Shafer; great-grandkids, Jaiden Leach and Lainey Murray; brother-in-law, Don Sanders and wife, Rosalyn, and sister-in-law, Rena Shafer and husband, John, both of Kansas City, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends Friday, July 11, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held Saturday at Beard's Funeral Chapel at 2 p.m., with John Shafer officiating. Burial will follow at West Fork Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.