Wayne A. Shamer

The beloved Pastor Wayne Arthur Shamer of Jackson Township (York) passed into the hands of the Lord the morning of Thursday, July 27, at home and in the presence of his loving wife, Shirley, and his adored granddaughter-in-law, Danielle. For over eight months, the Marine Corps veteran valiantly battled aggressive brain cancer to spend as much time as possible with loved ones. Born and raised in Patapsco, Maryland (Carroll County), Pastor Shamer was 78 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howell and Ella (Hoffman) Shamer; brothers Genie and Buzzy; and sisters Janet, Darlene, and Delores.

Never forgetting his meager beginnings, Wayne enlisted in the Marines at a young age, serving six years in North Carolina, California, and Vietnam. During his time stateside, Shirley lovingly joined him on-base and in a cross-country adventure in their 1950 Chevy Bel Air. His career as a maintenance mechanic included employment at Forry's Exxon, York Casket, and many years at P.H. Glatfelter Company. In 1998, Wayne answered a burning call to ministry with the United Methodist Church, pouring his care into 10 congregations over 24 years and cheerfully completing an arduous degree program through Wesley Theological Seminary in our nation's capital. With Shirley faithfully by his side, the couple served the Bittersville/Grace Charge (York County), Runville Charge (Centre County), White Deer Charge (Union County), and Violet Hill Charge (York County). In lieu of flowers, donations to Violet Hill United Methodist Church or Marine Toys for Tots will honor his memory and passions.

In addition to his wife Shirley, with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in June, he is survived by brother Ralph Shamer; sister Nila Wentz; daughter Teresa and her husband Douglas Keith, Sr.; grandson Douglas Keith, Jr. and his wife Danielle; grandson Wayne Keith and his wife Amanda; grandson Edward Yingling; foster son Randy Ritter, his wife Cheryl and their children; foster son Richard Gotwalt, his former wife Melissa and their daughter Kendra; countless close friends; and his loyal dog Daisy Mae. "Poppy" Wayne also painfully leaves behind his young great-grandchildren Clayton "Clay-Bird" Keith, Adalyn "Addie-Boom" Keith, and Fiona "Boo-Boo" Yingling, whom he called "his kids" and with whom he spent thousands of joyful hours.

The family would like to formally thank the wonderful individuals with WellSpan, the VA, UPMC, Encompass Health, Grane Hospice, and other facilities who provided patient, persistent, and tender care to him and to us. Wayne sincerely appreciated your help to extend his time with those he held dear.

Visitation will be offered at Geiple-Predicce Funeral Home in Glen Rock on Monday, 7/31 at 6 pm and Tuesday, 8/1 at 10 am at Greenmount United Methodist Church in Glen Rock. Funeral service will begin at 12 pm at the church. Wayne was the bedrock of his family. He will be missed more than words can describe, and we are eternally grateful to God for the time he granted us with him.