Walter Jay Shaver, better known to all as "Ike." At the age of 91, Ike passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side on June 7th, 2024, in Larned Kansas.
He was born on July 12th, 1932, in Belpre Kansas, to David and Clara Shaver. Out of all his 11 siblings and other family members, Ike has lived the longest and he has succeeded all of them.
Ike was a proud resident of both Belpre and Larned Kansas. He played every sport in high school, but he loved track the most. Ike was known to be the greatest mile-runner in Belpre history. He was a 1950 graduate of Belpre High School. He joined the Army in 1953. Then in the Bluegoose Cafe he met a waitress whom he never ever tipped. That lady became his wife whom he married on August 17th, 1957 at the Larned Methodist church; her name is Judith Lorene Shaver. He worked as a business owner and plumber at his beloved creation, Ike Shaver Plumbing: the business has been running since 1962. He was a member of the Kansas Plumbing Association and the American Legion. Ike was known all throughout town as the consistent daily 3-mile walker; he walked in every weather imaginable. One of Ike's hobbies was gardening, and he would grow all plants to his liking and make enough for all of his family as well as all his neighbors/friends. His favorite plant to grow was tomatoes. When Ike would deliver the vegetables, he would leave them at the doorstep, ring the doorbell, and walk away without wanting to be thanked. He wanted his whole lawn to be a garden, but much to his dismay his wife told him "Whoa!" Ike was very stubborn, work-oriented, and a true jokester. His family and business were his two biggest passions. But Ike did have a favorite hobby, which was being able to watch his family play sports. Also, his two favorite sports teams are the Chiefs and the Royals, and he never let anyone or anything stop him from watching his two favorite teams. Ike always had the ability to make anyone smile. Ike left behind his wife, Judy; his children, Larry, Rene', Jay, Jon, and all of their spouses; his many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Additionally, Ike also left behind his beloved family jewel, his youngest grandchild, Clara Charlene Shaver, who he always called his "jewel." She was named after his mother because both Clara's share the same birthdate. Ike was a man of many words, but never wanted the attention on himself. He was humble, strong, and passionate; he might have had a grumpy expression from time to time, but he truly had a marshmallow heart, anyone could tell that from just talking to him.
Ike's cremation and private family burial, with military honors, have already taken place at Belpre Cemetery, Belpre, Kansas with Pastor David Spare presiding. If you wish to keep his memory alive, please grow a tomato plant in his honor.
Arrangements in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.