Obituary of Franklin D. Shawver

Franklin Dale Shawver, lovingly known as "Papa Tates", passed peacefully in his sleep, at home, on April 7, 2021 with his wife Shirley of 66 years at his side. Frank was born in Pennsylvania to the late Marlin and Virginia (Spacht) Shawver. The family moved to Albion, NY while he was in his teens. Frank went to Albion School and graduated in 1951. He married Shirley (Nudd) in 1955 and was working at Starkweather Freight Lines when called up for the Army in 1957. On returning from the Army, he continued at Starkweather’s for over 40 years. Frank was a member of the Carlton United Methodist Church, Carlton Fire Dept. and the Black North Rod & Gun Club. As an avid conservationist he was one of a group that released Wild Turkeys into our area. He loved to teach his children, grandchildren and younger friends how to “call in” turkeys and how to fish for trout. In the fall he liked to go to the Benzette, PA to the Elk Museum and go scouting in the mountains to see them. After retiring, Frank and Shirley along with friends, Robert and Joan Higley, traveled around the U.S. visiting 48 of the 50 states including Alaska where they shared champagne at the Arctic Circle. Frank would meet daily with his lifelong friends at McDonalds for coffee and he said they were trying to solve the world's problems. At the end of many conversations Frank was known to say “keep your nose clean” and “don’t take any wooden nickels”.

Franklin was predeceased by his brothers, Randy, Donald, Glen and Gerald, and his sister Eva Klafehn, sisters-in-law, Marie and Carolyn, and brother-in-law, Rick. On his wife’s side he was predeceased by Lucille (Jack) Preston, Doris (Joseph) Pinna, Ruthie (George) Jones and Kenneth Nudd.

Frank is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Shirley, children, Cindy, Connie (Ken McPherson), Dale, Cathy (Jeff) Brien, grandchildren, Joshua, Eric (Abigail), Jessica (Jeff), Hayley (Jason), Brent (Hayley) and Evan, great-grandchildren, Kiri, Chase, Braylin, Ashton, Esme and Scarlett and sister-in-law, Janice (Tom) Kelly-Mack, Ann Shawver, Maryjane Nudd as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

There will be a private family service at Frank’s request, at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Frank’s name may be made to the Carlton United Methodist Church 1196 Archbald Rd. Waterport, NY 14571.

Frank’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Albion, NY.

To share a special memory of Frank please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.