Richard “Rick” Havey Louis Shaver, 75 years old, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, TX. Rick was born on October 9, 1949, in Mesa, AZ to Marjorie (Cawdrey) Shaver and Emmert Shaver. After his mother’s passing, Rick moved to Seattle, WA to live with
his Auntie Bess, where he developed a love for the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
From flying “super connies” in typhoons during his time in the Navy to becoming a programmer for Lockheed-Martin, where he retired after 40 years, Rick’s life was full of adventure. As Rick would tell you, the best adventure he embarked on was meeting Deborah Lynn Edwards while both were working at Lockheed-Martin. Rick would purposely correct her punctuation in documents to get her attention. It
worked; they fell in love and were married in Silverdale, Washington, on June 26, 1993, also becoming the father to Jordan Shaver-Clark and Josh Shaver. Throughout Rick and Debbie’s 31 years of marriage, it was filled with train trips across the country to visit family, and trips to Italy, Scotland, and Israel. Throughout the years, Rick was very involved in his church and volunteering at the local crisis pregnancy center. In retirement, Rick and Debbie took a 6-month trip around the states, pulling a trailer, during which they fell in love with Sulphur Springs, TX after visiting Debbie’s heritage.
Returning home to Washington from their cross-country road trip, Rick and Debbie felt the call to pack up and move to Sulphur Springs. They found the perfect house and land where Rick decided his next adventure was to become a pecan farmer. Rick was active in the community of Sulphur Springs, serving on the board of Northeast Texas Heart of Hope and being active in his church.
Rick was a scholar who always craved to learn and cherished his relationship with God. He started his day with a cup of coffee, a devotional, and cross-referencing scriptures in different texts to learn the history of the Bible. His love for the Lord led him to challenge his family and friends to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
The Celebration of Life for Rick will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Weaver Baptist Church in Saltillo, TX with Bro. Tom Friday officiating. Visitation will be at 11am, the service at noon followed by interment at Weaver Cemetery and a catered lunch for all. Josh Shaver, Jordan Shaver-Clark, Zak
Clark, Audie McCall, Josh Raymond and Mike McClendon are serving as pallbearers. As many know, his mother-in-law, Beverly “Earlene” Edwards also passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025 in North Carolina. During the catered lunch we will be remembering Earlene and have a time of sharing.
Rick is survived by his wife, Debbie Shaver of Sulphur Springs, Texas; daughter, Jordan Shaver-Clark of Rockwall, Texas; son, Josh Shaver of Stephenville, Texas; grandchildren, Zak, Maverick, and Lou; and two toy yorkies, Maggie and Molly.
Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Shaver, father, Emmert Shaver and aunt, Bess Cawdrey. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to Northeast Texas Heart of Hope at www.sulphur springs pregnancy.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home.
The online register can be signed at www.murrayorwosky.com
