Merlin M. Shaver

Merlin M. Shaver, 96, of Marshall died on Tuesday January 28, 2020, following a short illness.

Merlin was born on December 7, 1923 in Jackson to Orville and Bessie (Perry) Shaver.  He attended Charlotte Schools.  He joined the United States Army in 1943 and was part of the 8th Airforce during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1945.  On January 19, 1942 he married June L. Ruddock in Charlotte.  She preceded him in death on June 29, 2009.  In September 2012 he married Thelma A. Wayward in Marshall.  She preceded him in death on August 30, 2014.

Merlin owned and operated Shaver Refuse in Marshall for many years.  Prior to that he farmed in the Charlotte area when he was out of school and after his service in the Army.  Merlin was a life member of the Marshall VFW and held many different offices in the organization.  He loved the Marshall Community and volunteered for many different community events.  Merlin received many different awards through the VFW, and he received the Minute Man Award during Michigan Week.

He is survived by his children Betty (Paul) Sipe of Georgia, Sandra (Dan) Wood of Battle Creek, Janis (Tom) Holibaugh of Battle Creek, and Patricia Dunn of Marshall; step children Maureen (Ray) Mickus and Richard (Dorothy) Wayward; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives; son Larry Shaver in 2017; and nine siblings.

Family will gather with friends from 10am-12noon on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services Marshall Chapel 723 US 27 N Marshall MI 49068.  Funeral services celebrating his life will take place at 12pm at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services 723 US 27 N Marshall MI 49068.  Family will gather with friends following services in the Kempf Funeral Home Reception Hall.  A private interment will take place at West Eckford Cemetery at a later date.  Family requests memorial contributions to the Marshall Fountain Clinic.  Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services.  Leave a personal message for the family and sign the on line guestbook at https://www.kempffuneralhome.com