After graduation from Cooley High School in June 1946, Shaver enrolled in Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI.

Drafted in 1950, he served in the 675th Airborne Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. Released from active duty in 1953, he returned to Michigan Tech, graduated in 1955 with a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, Artillery.

In April 2006 MI Tech inducted Shaver into their Distinguished Academy of Chemical Engineers. Between periods of active duty and during reserve duty, he was employed as a chemical engineer, salesman, and marketing manager by the 3M Company. In 1974, as a Distinguished Graduate of the Army's Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS, he received the General John J. Pershing award; he is also a 1978 graduate of the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA.

When Shaver retired in 1983 he was Commanding General, 88th ARCOM, Fort Snelling, MN. / Findagrave # 106152405