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Robert R. Shafer, 84, of Olney died Friday, August 12, 1994 in his home. Services at the Zirkle Funeral Home with burial in the Haven Hill Cemetery.
Shafer was born December 5, 1909 in Noble, the son of Joseph and Minnie (Sonner) Shafer. He married Helen Seely, June 25, 1932 in Noble and she preceded him in death.
He was a retired school teacher for the East Richland School District, teaching Social Studies at the Central Grade School and then at the old Junior High (former High School building on Main St.) for 42 years and was Jr. High Athletic Coach for 25 years. He was manager of the Olney City Park swimming pool for 33 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Shafer of Catlin and David Shafer of Olney; a daughter, Linda Gradecki of Lafayette, Colo; five grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Shafer was preceded in death by his parents, wife, an infant son and a brother and a grandson.
Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL) and information provided by Jean (Shaw) Shafer class of 1961
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David Shafer (1969)
He was my Father, a wonderful Father! He wasn't as mean as the kids thought he was, lol! Always a pleasure to hear kind words about him from his former friends and students!
Janice Bagwell (Ma) (1961)
I don't remember hearing anyone say he was mean. He always seemed nice to me.
Susan Wall (Martin) (1964)
I always liked Mr. Shafer-he was one of my favorite teachers. He was demanding but we learned a lot from him.
Marcella Cummins (Zorn) (1965)
I have very fond memories of your father and the Olney Swimming Pool. Along with Susan W, my sisters and I loved going to the pool almost every summer day. Because of your father and his staff (including you, I think), the pool was fun and safe. Your father was strict but fair. Because of his discipline and care, we could go to the pool by ourselves. Imagine that!
Larry Tennyson (1952)
Mr. Shafer was strict, but always fair. He was one of the best.
Larry Tennyson
Dan Pool (Pool) (1958)
Mr. Shafer was not mean, but he was tough. He had to be with a bunch of kids at the 7th and 8th grade level. In 1954 he coached the boys 8th grade basketball team. One of the rules was that you stayed home the night before games. Several of us decided to go to a school activity called folk games. He was standing in the doorway, his arms folded across his chest, just watching as we went through square dancing routines on the gym floor. The next day we were all notified we would not be making the trip that evening to the game with Flora. In fact he kicked off every boy on the team except Jan Cralle. Rules are rules and they are to be followed. No one was mad at Mr. Shafer including the parents. We broke the rules and got what we deserved.
Dan Pool
Jeff Dickerson (1973)
I was in 8th grade history in 1967-68. Mr. Shafer called everyone by their last name, except me. A classmate asked why he called me Jeff and not Dickerson, He's my Uncle I answered. Familiarity did not breed contemtp. I love history and owe a lot of that to Uncle Bob.Yes, he was stern. Yes, I was terrified of him. I still remember most of "Old Ironsides" (which I learned in a panic as the seven students ahead of me quoted it from memory one day in class). He hired me to work at the pool. First inside then as a lifeguard. Even out of school he was a teacher. I learned a lot from him. I cherish those memories. He had a softer side that I saw many times. My regret is that I did not know a lot about his early years. He will always have a place in my heart.
Jean Shaw (Shafer) (1961)
I was a student of Mr. Shafer's in 1955-56. I always respected him and thought highly of him as a teacher. Later as a high school student he hired me to work at the swimming pool where I also found him to be firm and fair as well as have a sense of humor. He became more special to me as I got to know him as my father -in-law. He was a wise and caring man who lived his faith as a loving Christian father and Grandfather. He was "The Best."
Jean Shaw Shafer