Frank Shaver's Obituary
Frank Shaver, 81, of Steilacoom, Wa passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Madigan Army Medical Center in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Frank was born December 18, 1936 in Spokane, Wa to Joseph Henry and Rose Myrtle Shaver. He graduated from Washington State University in 1959 where he was a member of the ROTC program. In ROTC, Frank learned to fly fix winged aircraft. Later that year he joined the United States Army. In 1960, Frank was stationed at Fort Rucker Alabama where he learned to fly helicopters. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam in the mid to late 60s. During his 25 year Army career, he was stationed in Germany, Alabama, Virginia, Indiana, Taiwan and California. In 1984, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Frank filled his retirement years by traveling in the U.S with his wife Mary in their RV, playing and teaching golf and travelling to Taiwan where he and Mary bought a second home in Yiland Jaoxi. While in Taiwan, he enjoyed volunteering at the local library where he read stories to the local children. Frank especially liked sharing the books with the children that were donated by Steilacoom neighbors Bob and Cindy and singing the song “Catch a Falling Star” to the kids. When in Steilacoom, Frank enjoyed playing golf and being a volunteer teacher at the American Lake Veterans Golf Course. He had a life long passion for the game and was proud to have had four “hole in ones” during his lifetime.
Frank is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary, sister Karen Aschbacher (Fred), daughters Stephanie Gamlem, Susan Schuller, Stacy Shaver (Eric), grandchildren, Melissa O’Donnell (Joe), Joe Gamlem (Lindsay), Katie Schuller, David Schuller, Sam and Eli Wimmer, 3 great grandchildren, Noah, Ashtyn and Kien, niece Deborah Ravetti (Paul) and nephew Joe Aschbacher (Chris) as well as numerous friends and relatives from Taiwan.
The family extends a gracious thank you to the staff at Madigan Army Medical Center who cared for Frank so exceptionally in his final days.
Frank will be missed but always in our hearts.
A memorial service with military honors is planned for Monday, October 22 at 1:30pm at the Tahoma National Cemetery. After the service at 3:30, friends and family are invited to the Shaver’s house, 2847 Chambers Bay Drive in Steilacoom for a reception.
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