Shaffer, R. Thomas (Tom)

R. Thomas (Tom) Shaffer died early Sunday morning, Dec. 11, 2011, from injuries received in an automobile accident. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, at the Apostolic Assembly, rural Anamosa, with interment in the Amber Cemetery. The Rev Clayton George and Jay White will officiate at the services. Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Anamosa.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at .

Surviving are his children, Tammy Shaffer, Springville, and Steven (Kelsey) Shaffer, Palmdale, Calif.; three grandchildren, Michael Shaffer (Kimberly), Charles Walker and Brhianna Roberts; two great-grandchildren, Braidin and Xander; his brother, Pat (Ester) Shaffer; many nieces and nephews; along with many adopted grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; both of his parents; a sister; and two brothers.

Tom was born Dec. 18, 1945, in Hawkeye, Iowa. He was the son of Dale (Dick) and Mary Brown Shaffer. He was a 1964 graduate of Springville High School. Thomas and Susan Kay Engelbart were married April 24, 1965, at the Wayne Zion Lutheran Church. Tom worked as a CNC Union machinist for many years. The couple also owned and operated the Last Trail Saloon in Anamosa from January 1981 to May 1985 and in 1998 they started the Airport Delivery and Air Freight Express.

Tom was a member of the Apostolic Assembly in Anamosa for the past two years. He was an avid NASCAR, Chicago Bears, Cubs and Hawkeye fan. He loved the outdoors, his John Deere tractors, fishing and working outside in yard, but the thing he treasured most was the time he was given to spend with his family and loved ones.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Camp Courageous.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 13, 2011.