Reverend Melvin LeRoy Shafer

Reverend Melvin LeRoy Shafer, 83, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at Tri-County Hospital in Lexington. Reverend Shafer was born June 19, 1926 at Hastings, Nebraska to Maynard and Eva (Losee) Shafer. He attended grade school at Rosedale and then went on to attend Hastings High School. Mel then went on to college and seminary. He was united in marriage to Genevieve Braun on December 26, 1946 at Hastings. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Ted, Martin and Elizabeth. Following their marriage the couple moved to Illinois to serve a student church as Mel attended college. Six years later they were assigned to a church at Mynard, Nebraska. Mel and Gen served two student churches, four full-time churches and three interim churches, a total of 45 years. Eddyville and Oconto is where Mel and Gen’s children grew up. He was very active in the Lion’s Club and helped establish the Eddyville Library and the ice-skating pond in the park. Reverend Shafer had many interests, but most especially he loved his Lord and served Him as a loving and faithful servant. His Wednesday morning Bible Study was another important part of his life. Mel loved gardening, woodworking, farming and had a very mechanical mind. He enjoyed the 4th of July and made canons for every family member. He was a kind, gentle man who gave his heart and soul to his ministry and family. He will be so very missed by all who loved him. Survivors include two sons: Ted & Karla Shafer of Hooper, Nebraska Martin & Priscilla Shafer of Broken Bow, Nebraska One daughter: Elizabeth “Liz” & Dick Sanderman of Lexington, Nebraska One brother: John & Ruth Shafer of Mount Vernon, Missouri Ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren with two on the way! Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; his life partner, Genevieve, four brothers and three sisters. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 3, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at the Berean Bible Church in Lexington with Pastor Glenn Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Rosedale Cemetery near Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Friday, October 2, 2009, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Donor’s Choice. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be directed to: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com