Gene Telford Shafer

Gene Telford Shafer, 83, of Pekin passed way at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at his residence. Gene was born December 20, 1930, in Pekin, the son of Fred Franklin and Ines Delight Burdick Shafer. He married Norma Lee Drockelman May 21, 1950; she passed away October 4, 1983 in Pekin.He later married Delores Guengerich on November 28, 1985. Surviving are his wife of Pekin, one son, David L. of Pekin; two daughters, Jeannie Sue (John) Landuyt of Savannah, GA and Becky (Phil) Jones of Pekin; three step daughters, Debbie Null and Toni Rose both of Pekin, and Jeannette Hyatt of Texas; a foster daughter, Tabitha Neltner of Peoria, one brother, Eddie (Karen) Shafer of Blackfoot, ID;one sister, Glee (Gary) Schultz of Bartonville, IL; four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, twelve step grandchildren and thirty-eight step great grandchildren. Gene was a retired Master Plasterer after 60 years.He learned plastering skills in his father'sbusiness before starting his own business.Later in his career he worked for various local companies and specialized in ornamental plastering in many new homes throughout central Illinois.Gene was an avid bowler and woodworker and made over 500 toy guns for area children. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin and the O. P. C. MIA Local 18 in Peoria.He was an Army Veteran. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2014 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Pekin. The Rev. Dr. Rodger P. Abatie will officiate.Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Saturday at the church.Entombment will be at Lakeside Mausoleum in Pekin.Military Honors will be conducted by the U. S. Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Memorials contributions may be directed to the Good Shepherd Lutheran School & Preschool 3201 Court St. Pekin, IL 61554 or the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, 4722 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614. Cemetery Lakeside Cemetery 1917 N. 8th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Service Saturday, May 31, 2014 1:00 PM Trinity Lutheran Church 700 South 4th street Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Saturday, May 31, 2014 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM Trinity Lutheran Church 700 South 4th street Pekin,IL 61554