Robert "Bob" Lee Shaffer was born on August 1, 1930 to Glenn and Mildred (Waters) Shaffer in Horton, KS where he grew up and graduated from high school. While he was growing up, Bob enjoyed ice skating, sleigh rides, riding bikes, fishing, swimming, and going to the movies to watch Gene Autry. He also enjoyed going to dances where he met the love of his life, Reba Mae Braden.
Bob had stated that he saw Reba walking around Muscotah one day and thought to himself, "She's good lookin'." He decided to go back to Muscotah another time to see her again. They went dancing and then went to Atchison to eat, and the rest was history. They dated 3 months and were married on Sept. 1, 1951 at the Brown County Courthouse where she became Mrs. Robert Shaffer. Shortly after, they started a family and became proud parents to: Denise Helen, Ronald Lee, Jolene Rae, Steven Glenn, Kimberly Jeanne, Bradley Allen, and Jamie Paul.
Bob worked hard to provide for his big family. He held several jobs such as: mowing grass, hauling trash, filling station attendant, feed store, grocery stores where he would candle eggs, and for the Kansas Department of Transportation where he worked for 45 years. He was always on the go and was often picking up around the house, burning trash, gardening, gathering eggs, feeding stray animals, watching westerns, listening/singing to western music, and his ultimate favorite: fishing! He loved telling a story about a time that he caught the biggest fish in his life with a gunny sack.
He treasured time with a loved ones and always offered plenty of hugs, kisses, and always had room on his lap for a child to sit on. His grandchildren remember him most for his kind blue eyes, soft soothing voice, and his storytelling. Some personal favorites were of Jesse James and "I want your franks."
Bob lived a long, healthy, happy 83 years, and overcame any of life's obstacles that came his way. He was a strong and loving person. He left this world peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on February 9, 2014 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka, KS. He left behind his devoted wife Reba, their 7 children: Denise (Delbert) Potterf of Kansas City, MO; Ron (Gerri) Shaffer of Atchison; Steve (Debbie) Shaffer of Osage Beach, MO; Jody (Mike) Butner of Kearney, NE; Kimberly Lieneman (Mike Baugh) of Carthage, MO; Bradley (Cindy) Shaffer of Wamego, KS; and Jamie Shaffer (Lauren Lock) of Horton, KS; and 24 grandchildren, and 22 great great children.
Matthew 25:23 states, "His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" It is our family's belief that Bob heard those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" once he was led through the heavenly gates and embraced in Jesus' arms. Bob was faithful and in charge of many things on this earth, and now the Lord has invited Bob back with him to share in the master's happiness and give him rest. We are sure that as the "baby whisperer" he has been put in charge of helping with the children, singing them songs, and telling his stories while they sit on his lap. He is probably tending to the heavenly gardens and fishing in the heavenly ponds. He has been made new, nothing is limited to him. He can hear once again and is signing among angels. He has been set free! Until we see you again, we love you!
Gone Fishin'
August 1, 1930-Feb. 9 ,2014
The family will greet friends on Wednesday evening from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at the mortuary. Funeral services will be held at Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary in Horton, KS on Thursday, February 13th at 11a.m. Burial will be at the Muscotah cemetery in Muscotah, KS. Memorials may be sent to: United Methodist Church of Horton, KS. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com