Peter J Shapter

Retired Master Sergeant Peter “Pete” James Shapter USAF 75, of Conway reported roll his final duty station Sunday, October 11 with his beloved wife for 53 years Bettye by his side. Pete was born in New York City, NY to the late Retired US Army Major Peter and Catherine Shapter.

Together Pete and Bettye traveled all over the country and built a life and family. In addition to his wife he is survived by one daughter Blake Birdsong of North Little Rock, one son Matt (Amber) Shapter of Conway, Three granddaughters Delia Murry, Loral and Mallea Shapter and one grandson Axel Birdsong. Three sisters Joan Chiafulio of Maryland, Mary (Curt) Johnston of South Carolina, Anne Swisher of New Mexico. He also leaves behind a number of nieces, nephews, outlaws and friends.

The Air Force afforded him the opportunity to visit many places, often flying Bettye out to see the sites as well. He visited Guam, Hawaii, Ireland, Italy, and Japan to name a few. Even working in the same building in Japan 30 years later.

He and Bettye traveled to almost every state in the United States. Often logging many, many hours behind the wheel.

Pete came from a family that loved games. All kinds. Card games, board games, ball games, he loved them all. His favorite game to play at family gatherings was cribbage. His banter at the card table will be quoted for years to come.

Pete loved life and never met a stranger. He could most often be found talking to someone about something as random as the pro sports team on their hat. He could and would talk to anyone about anything. He was dangerous like that. A trip to the store could be prolonged if he saw someone with an Air Force hat or shirt on. He was a people person.

After retiring from the Air Force, he became a Master Gardener, a member of the Conway Men’s Chorus, an avid Buck knife and coin collector. He would try to recruit people to the Master Gardeners and the Chorus. He would “pay” people that helped him do things by sliding them a Buck knife.

He loved his family and loved to tell anyone that would listen about his grandchildren. He loved to watch movies with them, give them horse back rides around the living room and feed them too much sugar like a good grandfather does.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stonebridge and his Kindred Hospice team especially Nurse Brandy. We are forever grateful for the love and care you have given him especially during the time we could not be there.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia may have taken his voice but his spirit will live on forever.
Join us as in your favorite Hawaiian shirt as we celebrate his life Saturday, October 17th at the First Church of the Nazarene 1501 Scott St. Conway. Visitation at 10am funeral service to follow at 11. Funeral Arrangements by Griffin Leggett Conway Funeral Home. Live streaming starts at 11am please go to: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn7B1mlHgwk-B8WxuYGVR6Q

In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Purple Circle Fund at UCA, Conway Men’s Chorus or the Faulkner County Master Gardeners.