Benjamin O. Shaver, Class of 1950
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.