Allan Richard Shaffer

Allan Richard Shaffer, 65, departed from this life on March 2, 2014, in Richmond, Virginia after a heroic ten-year battle with cancer. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, the son of the late David and Alta Shaffer. Surviving him is his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 44 years Melissa Shaffer, his daughter Janeen and his son Jason, along with their families Vanessa Marenco, Taina Bush, four grandchildren Amanda Acampora, Madison, McKenzie and Zakary Bush, and a host of relatives and friends.

He was a member of the First English Lutheran Church and served on church councils and was a youth group leader in Lutheran churches in Ohio and Indiana. He proudly served his country for twenty-six years becoming first sergeant in the Ohio Air National Guard. He was in the oil industry for over forty years working first at managing retail and later managing maintenance and safety. Throughout his career, his focus was on customer service and advocacy for the staff, and he was known for his positive attitude and problem-solving skills when managing projects.

He cherished his time with his family and many friends. His joy for life and quick sense of humor, along with his wisdom and compassion, inspired all who knew him and will serve as a legacy for his life. We can’t think of him without laughing about his jokes and antics. He also was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed boating, traveling, his pets, and reading about World War II.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 6th, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Woody Funeral Home, Parham Chapel, Richmond, VA, and at Littleton and Rue Funeral Home on Sunday, March 9th, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Springfield, Ohio. A service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Springfield, Ohio at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 10th with Pastor Roger Herrig officiating, a lifelong friend. Interment will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Park. Following the service, friends and family are invited to the church’s Fellowship Hall to share food and favorite memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or First English Lutheran Church, Richmond, Virginia.

The family greatly appreciates the expertise and kindness of his caregivers at home, and the doctors and nurses at VCU Medical Center.