Herman J. Shaffer

HERMAN J. “BUTCH” SHAFFER, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, September 15, 2002. He was born March 18, 1921 near New Cumberland, a son of the late Herman J. and Bessie Smith Shaffer Ripley and attended Sherrodsville High School. In 1940 he joined the Carpenters’ Union #1802. On December 14, 1941, Herm married Thelma A. Gundy, who survives. He joined the U. S. Army in October 1942 and served with an engineering battalion building temporary bridges and was honorably discharged in January 1946. He built his family’s home on Tabor Ridge in 1948. In 1957 he joined the Bricklayers’ Union and went to work with Midway Lumber Co., Wendling Bros. Construction and Gundy Construction. In 1981 he retired from the Gradall Co. and served 30 years as a Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Reserve deputy. Herm organized the Tabor Ridge Boys 4-H Club in 1957 and served as advisor, during which time the club received a government bond for being one of the top clubs in Tuscarawas county. He was also a member of the Fairfield Grange and attended the Sherrodsville Senior Center. Along with his wife, he was an active member of Roxford Church. An accomplished bass guitarist, he performed with various gospel groups, the latest being the “New City Seekers.” In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Kenneth (Colleen) Shaffer of New Philadelphia; two daughters, Wanda (Ron) Breniser of Fresno and Dayna (Kenneth) Bayer of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Brady (Amanda) Shaffer, Carla (Kevin) Ferguson, B. J. Breniser, Mandy (Roger) Caldwell, Shane, Kelly and Amy Bayer, Carena (Dave) Ryan, Casey, Jeremy, Emily, Cody and Cory Shaffer; great-grandchildren, Roni Caldwell, Kayla Ryan, Connor and Kelsey Ferguson and Tate Shaffer; numerous nieces and nephews. Being the last surviving child of his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Hazel Rennecker, Lenore Albaugh, Helen Sweany and Georgia Shaffer; brothers, Wendell, Clyde, and Richard Shaffer; step sisters, Doris Ripley Septer and Kathryn Campbell; and step-brothers, Orvil, Raymond and Willard Ripley. Calling hours will be on Tuesday evening, September 17, 2002, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home at New Philadelphia. The funeral will be on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home with Rev. Henry E. Mooney officiating. Burial will follow at Holmes Church Cemetery, with military rites presented by the New Philadelphia VFW. After the committal a meal will be shared at Roxford Church. Contributions may be made to the “Family Life Center” at Roxford Church, 771 Roxford Church Rd., SE, Dennison, OH 44621 or to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third St., Dover, OH 44622.