Hamer Shafer, former president and director of Muncie Power Products, died March 25, 2009, in a Muncie IN nursing home. He was 93.
While Shafer did not start Muncie Power Products, he at one time was the company's only employee. His career with Muncie spanned 70 years, most of which was spent directing the company from a small automotive parts wholesale distribution warehouse with one employee to a major manufacturer of power take-offs and other hydraulic components.
During the first 50 years of his career, Shafer was a parts marketer. He partnered with Chelsea's Bob Wagner to pioneer the way PTOs were manufactured and sold. In the 1980s, Muncie bought Vickers Tulsa Manufacturing and began producing its own line of hydraulic components.
Shafer was known in Muncie for his philanthropic efforts, donating to schools and other causes. He also gave his employees a chance to control their company.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; two daughters; and other family members. A memorial service was held March 29 at the First Presbyterian Church in Muncie.