Merlin Maynard "Mutt" Shaver
Merlin M. Shaver (right) and his grandson, Robert J. Odette (Left), dressed for the 2010 Memorial Day Parade in Marshall, MI. Merlin is the Commander of the Marshall VFW Post 4073. Robert is a member of the American Legion - Stanley E. Lamb Post 79 (located in Marshall). Photo Date: May 31, 2010.
Merlin Maynard "Mutt" Shaver is the eighth child of Orville Clayton & Bessie Eva (Perry) Shaver. He was born in 1923* in Michigan, USA.
On January 19, 1942, he married June Lorna (formerly Lorna June) Ruddock. June was the daughter of Forrest Eugene & Carrie (Coats) Ruddock.
On March 8, 1943, Merlin enlisted in the US Military and went on to serve in WWII. He served in the US Air Force 445th Bomb Group as a Corporal until 1945. The 445th was stationed at RAF Tibenham in England.
At the time of Merlin's enlistment, he was employed at Holmes Motor Sales as a Salesman (in the Parts Department). After returning from combat, he returned to his position and worked at Holmes Motor Sales as a Salesman. Around 1956, he was promoted to the Assistant Parts Manager at Holmes. The family relocated around this time from Marshall, Calhoun County (Address: RD1) to Battle Creek, Calhoun County (Address: 144 Norave Drive).
Sometime before 1993, Merlin & June moved back to Marshall (Address: 14174 Eden Street).
His wife, June, passed away on June 29, 2009 in Marshall.
In 2011, Merlin was appointed to serve as Commander of the Marshall VFW Post 4073.
On September 19, 2012, Merlin (age 88) re-married to a Ms. Thelma Waynard(?).
Together, Merlin & June had five children:
Betty Gene (Shaver) Odette/Sipe [living]
Larry Dean Shaver [living]
Sandra L. (Shaver) Wood [living]
Janis Marie (Shaver) Holibaugh [living]
Patricia Ann (Shaver) Dunn/Schragg [living]
*Note: Specific birth dates are not listed for living persons for the privacy of these individuals.