Walter Shafer

Walter Ervin Shafer passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 11, 2024, after
struggling to recover following a hospitalization for COVID-19. He was 96, the age to which his
mother lived and that he had long said he wanted to reach. A loving husband and devoted
father, Walt is survived by his four children: Steve (Kathy), Kevin (Karen), Kent (Nancy), and
Margie Bellamy (Fredric). Grandchildren are Jessica, Kyle, Scott, Jacob, Jessica, and Rachel.
Great-grandchildren are Jaden, Kylie, Evelyn, Trevor, Charlie, Neal, Drew, and Jack.
The oldest of four children, Walt was born on October 31, 1927 in Sargent, Nebraska. Growing
up on a farm and raising cattle in Nebraska taught Walt the value of hard work, the practical
skills of building and repairing, and a love of gardening, all of which he applied and enjoyed
throughout his life. To leave the dust bowl for health reasons, Walt's family left farming for a
while to live in Texas before returning to farming in Arkansas. Before leaving Arkansas, Walt
graduated from high school a year early so that he could begin Arizona State College (now
NAU) when his family moved to Flagstaff to open a saw mill. There he graduated with a degree
in chemistry and also met his future wife, Lois Grace Burman.
Following Walt's army service, he and Lois married on September 20, 1952. After beginning
their life together in Mesa, in 1958 they moved to Prescott with their three small boys. There,
Walt and Lois bought into the ownership of Harmon Meat Packers for a few years, where Walt
applied his experience of raising and selling cattle. He used to say that as a kid he wanted to
be a cattle auctioneer, and one of his favorite songs was "The Auctioneer". In 1961 their family
was complete with a baby girl, with Prescott as their beloved lifelong community and
hometown. Walt loved Prescott, saying he knew as soon as he and Lois arrived, it was where
they belonged.
Always industrious, in addition to meat-packing, Walt engaged in a variety of ventures in his
life, including large appliance sales at Sears, raising chinchillas, and later owning and
maintaining many rental properties in Prescott. His degree in chemistry led him to become a
science teacher in 1967, and he earned his master's degree in Education in 1971. In his
distinguished 30-year teaching career, he taught earth and physical science at Prescott Junior
High School and Prescott High School. He was a patient, organized, good-natured teacher
who was well-liked by his students. He was always gratified to see former students around
town and hear about their accomplishments. To them, he was always fondly and respectfully
"Mr. Shafer."
Throughout his years of teaching, Walt amazingly had the time and energy to purchase and
maintain several rental properties around Prescott. Walt was a kind landlord, helping his
tenants when they struggled. He simply saw it as being a good Christian. As the owner and
landlord of his rental properties, Walt kept busy, as he always liked to be his entire life, applying
the resourceful repair skills he learned as a kid on the farm.
In later life he was able to build the tool shop of his dreams where he spent countless hours
working on projects with his family and friends, using his wonderful collection of tools. Known
for his handyman skills, Walt enjoyed teaching his children problem-solving and repair skills.
Throughout their life together Walt and Lois enjoyed traveling. They visited Europe, Mexico,
Canada and 47 U.S. states, including Hawaii and Alaska. Walt was an accomplished amateur
photographer who loved taking photos on their trips, and he always had a lovely slide show to
show the family after each vacation.
A dedicated Christian, Walt was active in Hillside Church of God from the time he and Lois
made Prescott their lifelong hometown. He taught Sunday School, served on the Board in
various positions, and enjoyed the monthly Men's Breakfast meetings. He believed in
community service and belonged to Kiwanis Club and Lions Club, holding leadership positions
in both. Walt's cherished memories of growing up on a farm compelled him to grow a grand
vegetable garden every year and plant countless trees over the years. A gentle, decent, and
generous man who was kind to all, Walt was an inspiration and will be deeply missed by his
family and many friends.