Eugene “Papa Gene” Clare Sheffer Sr., 85, of Indianola, formerly of Osceola, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2017.
There will be a gathering of family and friends from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at Wobbly Boots Roadhouse, 1301 NW 114th St., in Clive to share stories and celebrate the full life of "Papa Gene." Online condolences may be left at www.petersonfuneralservice.com.
Eugene was born Feb. 13, 1932, in Hagerstown, Maryland. He was a high school graduate that, soon after, entered the Army. During the Korean War, he was a proud member of the Signal Corp, stationed in Korea.
On Aug. 21, 1954, Eugene married Evelyn “Jean” Sheffer in Denver, Colorado. He worked many jobs over his life, always providing for his family. Early in his married life, he enjoyed working alongside his wife, Jean, as over-the-road truck drivers. His longest employment was working for Martin Oil, where he was fortunate enough to work with his father, Lawrence Sheffer, and his uncle and closest friend, Dale Sheffer. In Eugene’s later years with his wife, he owned and operated the Whiteway Cafe in Osceola. Many of his children and grandchildren spent time at the cafe working and staying with “Mama and Papa Gene.”
When not working, Eugene spent his free time traveling with his family. He was proud to say that he traveled to every state in the U.S., most of them in a motorhome with his children. With his wife of 62 years, he was happy to have travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska and the Great Barrier Reef. He, truly, lived a full life.
Eugene is survived by his wife, Jean Sheffer of Indianola; his seven children, David Sheffer of Denver, Colorado, Cynthia Bowden of Glendale, Arizona, Michele Martin of Denver, Colorado, Tanya Goodrich of Montrose, Colorado, Eugene “JR” Sheffer, Jr. and his wife Heather Sheffer of Indianola, Kathryn Sheffer of Indianola and Big Jim Hayden of Muncie, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Joseph, Adam, Krista, Theresa, Dominique, Katryna, Richard, David and Abigail; as well as 12 great-grandchildren and counting.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Alma; sister Dorthy; brother Thomas and brother Arnold.