Eldon L. Shafer

Eldon L. Shafer, 83, of Bella Vista, Ark., formerly of Holton and Mayetta, Kan., passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, at Concordia Healthcare in Bella Vista, Ark. Eldon was born April 4, 1929, in Holton, Kan., the son of Fred and Tressie (Shores) Shafer. He graduated from Holton High School in 1947. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict receiving a Purple Heart Medal for the loss of his right leg in Korea in June 1952. He was a member of the Bella Vista Baptist Church, Purple Heart Club, VFW, American Legion and DAV. He was a farmer/stockman and worked for the Royal Valley School District for 15 years before retiring in 1994. Eldon also owned and managed El Mar Egg Farm & Sales. Eldon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie (Slater) Shafer of Bella Vista, Ark; and his four children, Mary (Charles) Wilhelm of Mayetta, Kan., Gary (Patti) Shafer of Topeka, Kan., Sheri (Dallas) Collie of Bella Vista, Ark., Lauri Harris of Mayetta, Kan.; 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Since retiring from Royal Valley USD 337 in June 1994 to Bella Vista, Ark., he enjoyed square dancing, Welcome Club, Morning Coffee Group, Pot Luck Group, Bias Bowling, Sunflower Club, mini golf, Dining Out Club and traveling, including cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean and trips to Branson, Mo. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at Bella Vista Baptist Church. Memorial donations may be made to Bella Vista Baptist Church, 50 Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, AR 72714; or Gideons International.