Earl Shafer, Jr

Earl I. Shafer, Jr., 69 of Central Lake, died April 14, 2014 at Munson Medical Care Center in Traverse City.

He was born March 17, 1945 in Ypsilanti, the son of Earl and Lucille (Towler) Shafer Sr. Earl served in the US Army, 1st Infantry at Ft. Riley, KS and also spent time stationed in Germany.

For many years Earl was a member of the Central Lake Fire Department and served as assistant fire chief. He also worked in welding and fabricating, along with body armor. In the summertime over the years, Earl could be found coaching girls Little League.

A free spirit at heart, Earl enjoyed the great outdoors. He especially enjoyed deer and bear hunting. His family was most important to him and he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

On June 16, 1965 in Junction City, KS, he married Barbara Braden who survives. He is also survived by his children Laura (Rod) Patton of Echo Twp., Susan Towsley of Echo Twp., Keith (Elissa) Shafer of Central Lake, grandchildren Lyndsay Towsley, Riley Earl and Braden Geary Shafer, brothers Tim (Mary) Shafer of Central Lake, Charles Shafer of Bellaire, Jamie (Peggy) Shafer of Bellaire, and sister Lucy (Kent) McNeil of Bellaire. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Earline.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 18, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. The family will receive friends Thurs. April 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be at Southern Cemetery, Central Lake.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Devos Childrens Hospital or Michigan Bear Hunters Association. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.