Donald Shafer

Donald Shafer

Donald Shafer
September 9, 1918 – August 22, 2014
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 95

Donald Shafer, 95, of Oskaloosa and formerly of Ottumwa, died Friday, August 22, 2014, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. He was born September 9, 1918, in Eddyville, Iowa, the son of Charles Victor and Jennie Chapman Shafer.

Following school Don helped his dad on the farm. He later went to work at C.L. Pangborn Tire in Ottumwa. On April 27, 1941, he was united in marriage to Arlene Belzer at Unionville, Missouri; Arlene died on May 20, 2001. Soon after, he left Pangborn Tire and he opened Shafer Tractor in Ottumwa, which he owned and operated on the north edge of Ottumwa until 2008.

Don has been a resident at Crystal Heights Care Center for the past 5 years.

Don was a member of the Pleasant Corners Church. He enjoyed going to the races, fishing with his grandchildren, playing cards and family activities. He also enjoyed restoring antique Ford Tractors.

Don is survived by his daughter and her husband, Sharon and Jerry Staton of Oskaloosa; a daughter-in-law, Shirley Shafer of Des Moines; seven grandchildren: Donald Shafer, Darren Shafer, Dawn Marie Shafer, Jeff Staton, Wendy DeWaard, Stacey Sytsma and Greg Adam; 13 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; and two nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Larry Shafer; a daughter, Cathy Adam; a grandson, Chris Adam; a brother, Merle Shafer; and a step brother, Francis Vanderpol.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 25, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with Reverend Lois Williams officiating.
Burial will be held in the Pleasant Corners Cemetery southwest of Eddyville. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Sunday morning after 11. The family will be at the funeral chapel from 1-3 Sunday afternoon to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to Pleasant Corners Cemetery.