Gary Shafer

MORTON – Gary R. Shafer, 89, of Morton, passed away on June 11, 2021, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born on June 27, 1931, in Noble, Ill., to Harold and Mabel (Gill) Shafer. He married Nova Martin in Noble, Ill., on March 24, 1951.

Surviving are his wife, Nova Shafer of Morton; sons, Michael (Julie) Shafer of Morton, Richard (Linda) Shafer of Fort Collins, Colo., and Larry Shafer of Morton; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one half-brother, Glenn (Verna) Shafer of Onley, Ill.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and one daughter-in-law.

Gary oversaw workman’s compensation at Caterpillar, Inc. in Mossville, retiring in 1982. He enjoyed horseracing and fishing. He loved his winter vacations to Las Vegas and Biloxi, Miss.

Gary's greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com