Benjamin Orman Shaver

WATERVILLE - Benjamin Orman Shaver, born on November 8, 1924 in Moxahala, Perry County, Ohio, peacefully passed away at the age of 99 on March 27, 2024, in Waterville, Ohio. He was a dedicated educator deeply involved in the education of young people throughout his life.

Benjamin, known as Ben, served in the Army from 1943 to 1946, stationed at the 98th Station Hospital in Chakulia, India, and the 2nd Convalescent Hospital in Calcutta, India.

After his military service, Ben got a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950 from Muskingum College and a Master of Education degree from Ohio University in 1954.

He pursued a career in education, serving as a teacher and basketball coach in Adamsville and Republic, Ohio. He later became the Superintendent of Millcreek-west Unity School District, was the first Superintendent of Hillsdale Local Schools, and Ashland County Schools. Ben also worked as a Member Service Representative at Firelands Electric.

Throughout his career, Ben received many awards and honors. He was humbled by each recognition. A few of these awards are: Muskingum County Coach of the Year-1953

Seneca County Coach of the the Year-1954

President of Ohio Association of Local School Superintendents-1967 President of Ohio County Superintendents Association-1978 Muskingum University Distinguished Service Award-2017 Outside of his professional life, Ben enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Alyce, whom he met at Muskingum College. They were a remarkable team who supported each others careers. Their great past time was exploring every continent except Australia and traveling all oceans, including the Antarctic Ocean. They were members of Jeromesville United Methodist Church and Ashland Presbyterian Church.

Benjamin Shaver is survived by his daughters, Barbara Shaver Christensen(phil) and Karen Shaver Swinehart(bob). He has four grandchildren Ben Swinehart(tally), Allyson Lee (Derek), Sarah Lewis(josh),and Jennifer Christensen(swapnil Chaudhari). He has 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alyce Marie Cowan Shaver, his parents Samual Benjamin Shaver and Muriel Amerine, two brothers, Maurice Jay and Philip Ross, and a sister, Leona Hildred Webb

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Ben and Alyce Shaver Scholarships:

*Southern Perry County Academic Endowment *Muskingum University

*Ashland County Community Foundation

*Community Foundation for Perry County at Foundation for Appalachian Ohio

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Benjamin Orman Shaver’s remarkable life will be held in the future. His passion for education, dedication to his family, and love for travel will always be remembered by those whose lives he touched.