Milburn Shafer

Milburn L. (Mel) Shafer, 99, passed away on December 26, 2017, in Sarasota, Florida.

Mel was born on September 17, 1918, at home in Weesaw Twp., Southwest Michigan, to Lillie and Ned Shafer.

He spent some time farming and graduated in 1936 from Buchanan High School, Michigan. He worked as a department timekeeper for Clark Equipment Company in Buchanan. Mel then graduated from Wayne State College of Mortuary Science in 1942. Afterwards, he enlisted in the Navy Hospital Corp. and served as the sole medical department on his ship, U.S.S. LCI (L) 346, through most of the island action throughout the Pacific Theater, receiving several medals. He came home and joined the staff at Muehlig Funeral Chapel in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he worked for 35 years, eventually becoming a partner in the firm. He retired to homes in Charlevoix, Michigan, and Florida. Mel and his friend Arthur Taylor restored six homes in Charlevoix.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Donald Shafer, sister Eunice Polley and longtime companion Art Taylor.

Mel is survived by several nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 21, 2018 at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlevoix with Rev. Thomas O'Dell officiating. Interment with military honors will take place in Brookside Cemetery in Charlevoix.

Arrangements are being handled by the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes in Charlevoix, Michigan.