Larry D. Shafer

Larry D. Shafer, 76 of Goshen, died Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Elkhart Hospice House, Elkhart. He was born September 10, 1935 in St. Joseph County, Indiana, to the late Forest and Hattie (Weller) Shafer. He married Mona Lee Watkins in South Bend in 1958 and she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Kenneth and Arthur Shafer; a grandson, Mathew Shafer; three brothers, Wayne (Shirley) Shafer and Paul (Pat) Shafer, both of South Bend and Rodney (Doris) Shafer of California and a sister, Ruth Anne (Keith) Sanders of Tucson, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Rene Shafer in 1979, and two brothers, Richard and Don Shafer. A 1953 graduate of Lakeville High School, he earned his Bachelor's degree in 1957 from DePauw University and his Master's degree from Ball State University. A trumpet player, he thoroughly enjoyed marching band music. He was the high school band director at Middlebury, Adams and Northridge High Schools. From 1972 -1999, Larry was the owner of Blessing School of Music, Inc. Upon retirement he co-founded and co-directed New Horizons Band for seniors. Larry enjoyed fishing in Minnesota, playing poker, reading to his grandson and playing golf at Maplecrest Country Club where he was a member. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. A private family service will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, with burial taking place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. If you wish to give flowers in memory of Larry, white flowers would be appreciated. If you would like to give a memorial, it may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County.