Eldon L. Shafer, 83, of Bella Vista, AR, formerly of Holton and Mayetta, KS, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Concordia Healthcare in Bella Vista, AR.

Eldon was born April 4, 1929 in Holton, KS, the son of Fred and Tressie (Shores) Shafer. He graduated from Holton High School in 1947. He was a US Army veteran of the Korean Conflict receiving a Purple Heart Medal for the loss of his right leg in Korea in June 1952. He was a member of the Bella Vista Baptist Church, Purple Heart Club, VFW, American Legion and DAV. He was a farmer/stockman and also worked for the Royal Valley School District for 15 years before retiring in 1994.

Eldon is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marjorie (Slater) Shafer of Bella Vista, AR and his four children, Mary (Charles) Wilhelm of Mayetta, KS, Gary (Patti) Shafer of Topeka, KS, Sheri (Dallas) Collie of Bella Vista, AR, Lauri Harris of Mayetta, KS, 14 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

Since retiring from Royal Valley USD 337 in June, 1994 to Bella Vista, AR, he enjoyed square dancing, Welcome Club, Morning Coffee Group, Pot Luck Group, Bias Bowling, Sunflower Club, mini golf, Dining Out Club and traveling including cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean and trips to Branson, MO.

Funeral service will be at Mercer Funeral Home, Holton, Kansas on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11 a.m. with visitation at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at the Holton Cemetery. Pastor Tim O'Byrne will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to Gideons International, Bella Vista Baptist Church, or Hoyt Baptist Church and may be sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton 66436.

A memorial service at Bella Vista Baptist Church is planned for later.