Donald Lester Shaffer, 78, of Vero Beach passed away in Tyler, Texas on Oct. 12, 2016.
He is survived by sons, Steven Shaffer of Alba, Texas and Johnny Shaffer of Charleston, W.Va.; brother Homer R. Shaffer of Massillon, Ohio; sisters Carolyn Sue Shaffer of Fort Myers, Fla., and Judy (Jack) Saucerman; nephews Dwayne Allen Shaffer, of Fort Myers, Fla.; nieces Terri Hinzman (Gary) Mills, Shelly Ferger, Susan Knight (Chris) Worthen of Vero Beach, Connie Stevens (James) Allen; great-nieces Heather (Eric) Holbrook, Brittany Stevens, Lindsey (Jack) Sewell of Fairmount, Ga.; great-nephew Ryan Worthen of Vero Beach; great-great-nephews Colby and Zachery, Kas and Lux; Donald’s faithful visitor from the church, S.T. Convey; and many dear friends across Florida and the country.
Shaffer served honorably in the U.S. Navy and later moved to Vero Beach. He trained under the supervision of former world and national weightlifting champion, Joe Pitman; at the State Championships he walked away with honors in the heavyweight division. He volunteered with youngsters to encourage weightlifting and body building.
He worked as a meat department manager at Platt’s and Keen’s Super Markets as well as cutting the best steaks ever for Barrett’s Steak House in Vero Beach.
Shaffer served in Christian Ministry at the Indian River County Jail under the direction of Pastor Buddy Tipton.
He owned and operated several restaurants in Florida and around the country. He was also licensed in Texas as a horse trainer where he trained winners for himself and others.
His final message to his family and friends is, “I love you; continue to follow the Lord until we meet again.”
Florida family held graveside services in Clewiston, Fla. beside the graves of his mother, Marion Genevieve Hendry, step-father Clarence Earl Hendry, and brother Danny Lee Shaffer.
Donations may be made, in Donald’s Memory, to: The Dog’s for Life Veterans Service Dog Training Program, 1230 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.