Gordon William Shafer

Gordon William Shafer, age 73, of Hanover, Illinois, died Thursday, March 10, 2011, at the Midwest Medical Center, Galena, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, 2011, at the Law – Jones Funeral Home in Hanover, with Rev. David Vidler officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 14, at the funeral home prior to the service.
Gordon was born November 23, 1937, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of William and Dorothy (Hatfield) Shafer. He attended Hanover Public Schools. Gordon proudly served in the United States Navy.
Gordon worked on many ranches in the Southwest United States and also on farms in the Hanover area. This allowed him to work outdoors as much as possible, which he loved. Gordon also had a passion for horses and he rode until his health would not allow. In his younger years, he would participate in horse shows and barrel racing.
Gordon is survived by two sisters, Lillian Tonne of Hanover, Illinois, and Mary (Colin) Fulrath of Hanover; one brother, David (Patricia) Shafer of Sylacauga, Alabama; one step daughter, Holly Jill (Paul Mackey) St. John of San Diego, California; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Margaret Ann Shafer; and one brother, James Harvey Shafer.