Robert W. Shafer, Sr.

Robert Weldon "Bob" Shafer, beloved father, grandfather, and cherished friend, passed away at the age of 101 on March 17, 2025, at Sonoma House, an assisted living and memory care facility in Carrollton, Texas. Born on April 25, 1923, in Memphis, Tennessee, Bob was the son of Eugene Heber Shafer and Carrie O’Brien Shafer.

Bob graduated from South Side High School in 1939 and pursued his passion for civil engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In 1943, following the outbreak of World War II, Bob answered the call to serve, enlisting in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was stationed in the South Pacific, where he served with distinction on the islands of New Guinea, Ie Shima, and Okinawa. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1946, Bob returned to Knoxville to complete his degree. He graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, becoming a proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Tau Beta Pi fraternities.

In 1948, Bob married the love of his life, Marguerite Anne Whalen, whom he lovingly referred to as his "Queen." Their union was marked by unwavering commitment and shared adventures. When the Korean War began, Bob was called back into military service as a 2nd Lieutenant with the Army Corps of Engineers. He and Anne relocated to Beale Air Force Base in California, where they lived until the war’s end. After his honorable discharge in 1952, the couple returned to Memphis, Tennessee, where Bob embarked on a remarkable career in construction.

Throughout his professional life, Bob lent his expertise as a contractor, estimator, and project manager to numerous companies, including L&M Construction, F.T. Thayer, Allen & O’Hara, FedEx, and Brough & Stephens. His contributions to Memphis and the nation were evident in the many buildings he helped construct. Bob was a longstanding member of the Engineers Club of Memphis and an active member of Woodland Presbyterian Church. Later, he moved to the Dallas, Texas area to be closer to his family during his final years.

Bob was a man of many talents and interests. In the 1960s, he served as a Boy Scout leader for Troop 274, fostering a love of adventure and learning in young minds. He was an avid golfer, who earned the rare distinction of achieving three holes-in-one during his lifetime. He also loved University of Tennessee Football, going to many games with family and friends, and watching the games on TV. Later in life, Bob joined forces with Anne to champion the Bluff Walk Conservancy, a meaningful effort that resulted in the completion of the scenic Bluff Walk in Memphis.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Eugene Aubrey Shafer, Kenneth Ray Shafer, and infant William Floyd Shafer. He is survived by his devoted son, Robert W. Shafer Jr. (Teresa), and his grandson, David A. Shafer (Traci). Bob also leaves behind several nieces who cared for him lovingly during his time in Memphis.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s extraordinary life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Memphis Funeral Home, located at 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. A reception will follow the service, and his ashes will be interred at Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of Bob’s favorite charities:

The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army USA

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

The Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help

Mid-South Food Bank in Bob’s honor: Mid-South Food Bank: Food Distribution in the Mid-South