William Sheaffer

William “Bill” E. Sheaffer, 82, a longtime resident of Boiling Springs and most recently a resident of Orrstown, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011 in his home, surrounded by his ships and his airplanes.
Bill Sheaffer was born in Brandtsville on March 12, 1929 to Edna Grace and William S. Sheaffer. As young children, Bill and his two sisters, Anna and Marjorie, lived along a creek in Boiling Springs. As a boy, full of mischief, having access to that creek stirred Bill’s love of boats. Several years after being orphaned, stemming from his love of boats, he enlisted in the Navy. Serving from 1949-1954, he journeyed to over 50 countries on the USS Columbus, combining two of his great loves; boats and airplanes. Bill was a 1949 graduate of Boiling Springs High School and after his military service attended the Carlisle Commercial College.
Bill proudly served his country during the Korean War. Upon his return from the Navy, William had a career at the Mechanicsburg Navy Depot for many years. William was an amazing Boy Scout leader and avid hiker form many years. During a blessed retired life William spent his time restoring campers and being the Campground Host at Colonel Denning and Pine Grove State Parks. He loved mornings in the mountains with a cup of coffee and deer passing through his campsite. During the warm months, if someone wanted to see William they went to a campground. In the winter months, William spent his time painting and crafting with wood, almost always as a gift to his daughter or granddaughters. He has several awards for his art.
William is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Joan Blemler Sheaffer. His daughter, Cathy Anita Weigle (and husband, Robert A. Jr.), two granddaughters, Jennifer M. Weigle Merriman (and husband, Charles E.) and Jessica A. Weigle Merriman (and husband, Daniel S.), five treasured great-grandchildren, James Daniel, Jacob William, Tristin Robert, Micaela Marie, and Evelyn Grace. His brother-in-law, Elmer Fraker. His amazing sister, Anna Sheaffer. And many loved nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, William is preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie M. and William Steinour; two brothers-in-law, Edward Blemler and Harold Sheaffer; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Blemler and Caroline K. Fraker and mother and father-in-law, Cloyd C. and Myrtle Vaughn.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover Street, Carlisle with Rev. Daniel Dennis officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Churchtown. A viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be given to Shape Gallery, 39 West King Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257.
Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover Street, Carlisle is in charge of the funeral arrangements.