WILLIAM T. SHAFFER JR.

William Thomas Shaffer Jr. died March 3, 2009, in his San Angelo home at the age of 91. The oldest of four children, William was born September 5, 1917 in Robinson Township, Pennsylvania. From 1942 to 1945, he served in the Army Air Corps as a Sergeant specializing in night-flight training. After being discharged honorably from the Army Air Corps, William was an Adaptive Equipment Specialist for the Veriland Foundation for Exceptional Children. Retiring in 1982, William, his wife Evelyn, and son Richard moved to San Angelo to be with family. He was a member of the New Apostolic Church and was an avid woodworker; William spent much of his time crafting items for others' enjoyment. He was never known to own a car, but he enjoyed staying active, often walking for miles each day. He is survived by his eldest son William Thomas Shaffer III and wife Rebecca of San Angelo, his daughter Kathie Rae Shaffer of Alexandria, VA, and youngest son Richard Lloyd Shaffer of San Angelo. He is further survived by three grandchildren, Michelle Richardson, Angela Shaffer, and Shemeca Shaffer, and four step-grandchildren, Christina Pape, Stephen Stephens, Joseph Stephens, and Kyle Stephens. He has thirteen great-grandchildren and two surviving sisters, Thelma Grace Robinson and Jean Elizabeth Richardson, both of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1996, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn Rae Shaffer. His younger brother Elmer Verner Shaffer passed away in 1942. A private graveside service will be held at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Robert Massie Funeral Home. Psalms 138:3 - In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.