Clifford E. Shafer

Clifford E. Shafer, age 87, of Monmouth, Illinois; passed away on January 13, 2009 at his residence at 4:50 pm., surrounded by his loving wife and family. Clifford was born on April 29, 1921 in Stronghurst, Illinois and is the son of Clifton Eugene and Ethel Lucille Tucker Shafer. Clifford was raised in the Stronghurst and Reed Community and attended Henderson County rural schools. Clifford married Margaret Lenz on May 11, 1941 in Kahoka, Missouri. Clifford first was employed at Larson Furniture of Monmouth in sales and delivery. He then got into free lancing floor covering and ceramic tile and formica counter tops. He spent his career as a furniture reupholsterer, owning and operating Shafer Upholstery in Monmouth, with his wife for fifty years. Clifford was truly an artisan and master of his craft. Clifford has been a long time active member of First Christian Church where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent. Clifford, while living in Stronghurst, became a member of Stronghurst Lodge #847 initiated on March 8, 1949. He passed to the degree of Fellow Craft on April 3, 1949 and was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on May 19, 1949. He transferred his membership from Stronghurst to Monmouth Lodge #37 on September 6, 1956 and was active from then on. In November of 1950, he became a 32 degree Mason, a member of the George A. Martin Memorial Class at the Valley of Moline, Scottish Rite. Clifford was elected to membership in the Supreme Council and received the 33rd degree, the highest honor that can be given to any mason, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 29, 1989. Clifford is a member of the Royal Arch Masons Chapter #30 in Monmouth. and also received the degrees conferred by Illinois Council #1 at Knoxville, Illinois and served as it's chaplain. He is a member of Knights Templar Commandry #8 in Galesburg. Clifford also was a charter member and served eighteen years as District Deputy Grand master of the Western Area District in Jacksonville, Illinois. Clifford was Worshipful Master of Monmouth Lodge #37 in 1961 and 1962 and again in 2006 and 2007. He also took a dual membership in Good Hope Lodge #617 and A. Lincoln Lodge #518 in Kirkwood. He served as Worshipful Master of A. Lincoln Lodge in 1993 and 94 and was appointed Grand Senior Deacon. He held the office of Treasurer of the Monmouth Lodge for 18 years. Many times he held the office of President and Trustee in the Masonic Low Twelve Club. He was a member and Past Worthy Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1963 and 1966. Clifford is also a member and the first president of the Tri-County Scottish Rite Club. Clifford also received his commission as a certified Lodge Instructor which he still holds today. Clifford is survived by his wife Margaret Shafer of Monmouth; two daughters; Jane and husband John McNally of North Aurora, Illinois and June and husband Ron Podschweit of Batavia, Illinois. Two Sons; Lee and wife Carol of Athens, Illinois and Larry and wife Kenda of Pismo Beach, California. Also surviving are; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, two brothers; Ray Shafer of Biggsville, Illinois, Richard and wife Debbie of Wapello, Iowa, and one sister, Helen and husband Doug Hulen of Anchorage, Alaska. Clifford is preceded in death by his parents, and one granddaughter, Korin, three sisters and three brothers. Services:A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the First Christian Church in Monmouth. Cremation will be accorded following the service. Clifford's family will be present from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday the 16th at the First Christian Church to receive friends, with a Masonic Service recited at 8:00 p.m. A memorial fund is being established for the First Christian Church or Monmouth Masonic Lodge.