Darwin Charles Shaver

Darwin Charles Shaver, age 76, a lifelong Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully passed from this life to eternal life on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at his home. Darwin was born on June 5, 1944 in Park Rapids, MN to Calvin and LaVerna (Paulson) Shaver. He grew up on his parent’s dairy farm in Straight River Township, south of Park Rapids where he attended the nearby Potter Country School through the eighth grade. Darwin then went on to attend high school in Park Rapids where he graduated with the Class of 1962. As a young man, he ventured to Minneapolis and enrolled in the Dunwoody Institute where he studied building construction for two years. He then returned to Park Rapids where he started his own construction company. Darwin began building spec homes in the area and as people began noticing his quality carpentry skills, they contracted with him to build their homes. Darwin loved his country and in the midst of all his work he found time to serve in the Minnesota Army National Guard. His unit was activated and he served active military for a time. Darwin was proud to be a veteran and continued serving and working for veterans issues as a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post # 212 in Park Rapids where he had served as a past commander. In addition to running his own company, Darwin purchased a farm south of Osage and built up a good herd of Holstein dairy cattle and engaged in dairy farming. He enjoyed caring for his herd and raising the feed necessary to feed his cattle all while still operating his construction company every day. Throughout his lifetime, Darwin had great work habits and he served as a mentor to many young men beginning construction careers of their own. Today many homes and apartment buildings throughout the Park Rapids area stand as a testament to his skills and work ethic. Darwin was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing when time allowed; but, his real love was vegetable gardening and he supplied his friends and family with bounty from his garden all season long. Darwin tried retirement in 2015; but, he got bored and built another new home for himself where he has lived since 2016. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Darlene Hinton of Menahga; her children David Hinton of Park Rapids and Jody (Andy) Klein; his brother, Larry (Beverly) Shaver, and his children: Terri and Sonja Shaver; three great nieces and nephews: Cory, Tiffany and Crystal as well as great great nieces and nephews. Darwin was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cheryl and another sister who died in infancy. Memorial services are planned for 11 AM Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with the Rev. Stephen Norby officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 AM. Military honors will be provided by the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 of Park Rapids. Interment will be made in the Shaver family plot of the Greenwood Cemetery. To leave on line condolences or to share a memory please visit www.jonespearson.com