Rev. Robert K. Shaffer

Reverend Robert K. Shaffer died peacefully at home in the company of his immediate family on the morning of March 12, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 64½ years, the former Jane MacPherson Moyer, three sons and devoted daughters-in-law, Eric and Maria Elena (Espinoza) Shaffer, R. Kent Shaffer, Jr., Steven and Geralyn (Arbacheski) Shaffer; six granddaughters and their spouses, Maia and Christopher DeBaugh, Remy and Casey Gomes, Anika and Mark Neverosky, Perry Scripps Shaffer, Brianna and Kim VanDine, Stephanie Shaffer; and six great-grandchildren, Lucy DeBaugh, Cecelia DeBaugh, Bailey Gomes, Eliana Gomes, Sophia VanDine, Paxton VanDine, and Raul Neverosky; and one cousin, Aldine Kiem.

Robert was born on March 25, 1927 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to David J. and Norma Custer Shaffer. Early in his life, the family moved to Pittsburgh, where Robert graduated from South Hills High School, then enlisted in the Army-Air Corps at the age of 17. During World War II he served as a proud member of the 1123rd Military Police Unit in the Philippines.

Upon returning home from his service, he enrolled at Washington and Jefferson College, earned his bachelor’s degree in 1949, and secured a steel salesman position at Harbison-Walker, Pittsburg, PA and, married Jane on September 11, 1951. Shortly after college, with a wife, a toddler and an infant, he heard the call to the ministry and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Western Theological Seminary, in the same class as the beloved Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood fame. During his time in seminary he also traveled with his family to West Virginia as a student pastor at Cameron, Wind Ridge and Rock Lick Presbyterian Churches. After graduation, he came pastor at Round Hill Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania.

In 1962 he accepted a call to lead the congregation at Havenwood Presbyterian in Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland. Along with the many lives he touched during his ministry at Havenwood, he was proud of officiating at the marriages of all three sons and three of his granddaughters.

Once settled in Maryland he continued his commitment to his country by serving as Chaplain to the 135th Maryland Air National Guard based at Martin State Airport, retiring as a Chaplain Lt. Colonel with 30 years of service.

In the next chapter of his life he indulged in his love of automobiles and became a top salesman of Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth models. He then entered the education arena by serving as a substitute school teacher well into his seventies.

In his spare time he enjoyed woodworking, making clocks and boxes for family members along with many houses for the birds he loved to feed along with the ever-present squirrels, who were always the heartiest in the neighborhood.

The family will receive friends at the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Wednesday, March16, 2106 from 2 to 4PM and 7 to 9PM. A funeral service will be celebrated at Havenwood Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Ridgley Road, Lutherville, Maryland 21093 on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 10AM.

An interment service will be held at Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown, PA on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 1PM .

In lieu of flowers contributions may be directed in Rev. Shaffer’s memory to Havenwood Presbyterian Church at the above address or to a charity of your choice.

A guest book is available at www.lemmonfuneralhome.com