Edward Nelson Mahaffa, 91, of Elkhart, died Friday, July 7, 2017 at Elkhart Hospice House.

Ed was born on November 1, 1925 in Manchester, TN to Robert and Julia (Jarrell) Mahaffa. On September 30, 1946, he married Delores June Shaffer, with whom he would share 70-years of marriage. Delores preceded him in death on February 20, 2017. After only 4 months apart, they are reunited in heaven.

Ed is also survived by daughter, Pat Hashberger (Bob); sons, Jim and Bob Mahaffa; 6 grandchildren, Scott Hashberger (Kacey), Jeff Hashberger (Kim), Kara Watson (Jeremy), Krista Bowers (Ray), Britany Mahaffa, and Brendan Mahaffa (Courtney); 13 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; a brother, Paul Mahaffa (Brenda), FL; and very good friend Jerry Tate.

Ed was a member of Riverview General Baptist Church. He was employed with Federal Paper for 43 years, until retiring in 1988. Ed was also a lifetime member of the Osolo Township Fire Department. He enjoyed gardening and was affectionately known as the "Okra man."

Friends may call from 4 pm until 8 pm, ­­­­Monday, July 10, 2017 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. Services will be held at 1 pm, Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Riverview General Baptist Church, with Reverend Rick Pirtle officiating. Burial will follow at Olive West Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Osolo Fire Department.

The family would like to give special thanks to Jessica and the staff at Elkhart Hospice House.