Earl E. Shappell

Earl E. Shappell, 97, formerly of Oley, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Elmcroft Assisted Living Center, Exeter Township, where he had resided since September, 2009.

He was the husband of the late Ruth M. (Stehman) Shappell, to whom he was married for 60 years, and the son of the late Elmer and Beulah (Miller) Shappell.

Earl was a member of the Oley Valley High School graduating class of 1932. He was presented with honors at the Oley H.S. Archives of Success, where his many athletic medals are on permanent display. He held the all-time record for the state for many years in shot-put, beating the record of the state champion in 1931.

He was employed as the regional district manager for Prudential, where he was recognized and awarded for being a top leader in both the York and Reading offices of Prudential Insurance Co. of America. He also received the highest awards for Managerial achievement while at Prudential.

Earl was dedicated to the environment and the proper treatment of animals, and was an avid outdoorsman who especially loved to fish and hunt.

He was a proud Navy veteran of WWII, having served in the South Pacific Theater. He was a member of Friedens Lutheran Church since 1924, and served for many years on the Oley Valley Planning Committee.

He is survived by a son, Thomas E. Shappell and his wife Dawn of Flying Hills; two grandchildren: Michelle Renee Moyer and Scott Lorah; three great grandchildren: Lauren, Chelsea, and Jenna; and one great-great grandson, Alberto. He was preceded in death by a sister, Fern Schoelkopf.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Blankenbiller Funeral Home, 423 Main St., Oley with Rev. Barry L. Moyer officiating . Burial with full military honors will follow in Oley Union Cemetery, Spangsville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home from 10:00 to 11:00 am.