Emmett Clifford Shaffer

Emmett Clifford Shaffer, 93, of Urbana, passed away on October 27, 2015 in Dublin Methodist Hospital. He was born on July 28, 1922 in Terre Haute, OH, to Roy and Helen (Roberts) Shaffer. His work ethic began very early as he helped the Terre Haute telephone operator place calls. He was involved in various lines of work, including some farming and was an excellent, sought after sheep shearer. He drove for Dingledine Trucking, Terre Haute, OH and Bordens Dairy. He worked in construction, first for Robert Mast, Urbana, OH and then had his own contracting business for many years. Emmett was always sought for the excellent work he did for residential and commercial customers. They knew he would never overcharge them, always seeking ways to save them money, even when it meant less income for himself. This was true for non-family and family whom he often helped. In retirement, he volunteered for McAuley Center, Urbana, OH with woodworking contributions from his workshop that were much appreciated by their gift shop. He also volunteered there by helping wife Betty quilt lap robes for McAuley residents. He attended Terre Haute, OH and Westville, OH schools. A staff sergeant in the 84th Infantry Division Railsplitters during World War II, he served his country for 4 years in Germany, England, France and other embattled countries. He was also a member of the Junior OUAM. On November 20, 1946, he married the late Ruby Allen Carr and helped her raise one daughter, Joan Carr. Emmett was a Cincinnati Reds fan, attending many of the home games, and a fan of sprint car racing, attending many races with his brother Rollin, including Indianapolis 500s. He also loved playing horseshoes. Emmett proudly displayed his cradle roll certificate from the Terre Haute, OH Methodist Church Sunday School and attended church with his late wife, Ruby, participating in worship services in various congregations in Springfield, Delaware and other cities. After Rubys passing in October of 2000, he married the widowed Betty Imel of Urbana, OH and attended the Free Methodist Church of Urbana and later the Friends Church. Always winning people over with a beaming, innocent smile and humor, he was loved by many, including the managers and waitresses at his favorite restaurants. Always ready to enjoy a good meal, he loved homemade, from scratch cooking. Reared on this, the tradition continued with his wife Ruby, who was an excellent cook. He and Ruby raised large gardens of vegetables, fruits and had fruit trees for canning and freezing. Born the sixth of 8 children, he was pre-deceased by his parents; brothers, Herbert, Virgil, Richard, Rollin and Dane Shaffer; sisters, Lucille (Douglas) Thackery and Thelma (Donald) Smith; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Survivors include a step-daughter, Joan Irene Carr of Plain City, OH (formerly of Urbana, OH); second wife, Betty Imel Shaffer of Logan, OH (formerly of Urbana, OH); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 in WALTER & STOWE FUNERAL HOME, URBANA, where a service will be held at 12 p.m. with Rev. Jim Chess officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Cemetery, West Liberty. Memorial contributions may be made in Emmetts memory to Ohio Health Hospice, 800 McConnell Drive, Columbus OH 43214. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.walterfunerals.com.