Wayne E. Shaffer

Wayne E. Shaffer, age 89, passed away peacefully in his home with the help of the Bryan Hospital Hospice team, surrounded by his loving daughter and care-givers. He died from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Wauseon, Ohio, in 1922, the eldest son of Leva Rashley Shaffer and Chalmer L. Shaffer. Wayne’s younger brother, Stanley Shaffer, of whom he was very proud, preceded him in death. Wayne graduated from Wauseon High School in 1940 as President of his class. He organized his class reunions up until the time of his death and remained life-long friends with many of his classmates. He was a graduate of Ohio Northern University School of Law and later served on the board of trustees of Ohio Northern. Mr. Shaffer proudly served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during WWII in both the European and Pacific Theaters, and his experience was life forming. Mr. Shaffer practiced law in Bryan for 55 years. He considered his profession to be a very high calling. One of the greatest privileges of his life was being a member of the Bar. He was at one time the Chair of the Legal Education Committee of the Ohio State Bar Association. Another area of his life where Mr. Shaffer felt a calling and deep commitment was education. He was elected as the youngest member of the Ohio State Board of Education in 1956. He served two terms as President during his 37-year tenure on the board. He also served as President of the Ohio Community School Association, advocating for local control of Ohio’s schools. In 1993, the Superintendents of Ohio Schools named Mr. Shaffer “Educator of the Year.” He also served on the national level as President of the National Association of State Boards of Education. Mr. Shaffer found great fulfillment and many life-long friends through his service. Mr. Shaffer married Georgia Frey Shaffer of Elmira, Ohio, in 1949 and she was the love of his life until she preceded him in death in 2010. They bore two children, Julie Anne Shaffer, now in Atlanta, Georgia, and Wayne Daniel Shaffer, deceased in 1976. Losing his son, Dan, was the greatest tragedy of his life. One of the greatest joys of his life was the birth of his granddaughter, India Duranthon, in 1992. He was a devoted grandfather and India adored him. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Shaffer was also proud of his civic engagement and community service. He was a founding member of the Bryan Area Foundation and served on the Board of Directors of the Community Hospitals of Williams County and of the Ohio Art Company. Wayne was an active member of Bryan’s Wesley United Methodist Church and considered his church community to be like extended family. He enjoyed attending Sunday services and the Methodist men’s group on Wednesday mornings. Mr. Shaffer was an Ohio State Buckeye fan. He was a friend to many in Bryan and beyond and he had been chosen “Bryan Citizen of the Year.” He had a sharp wit, brilliant intellect and a wonderful sense of humor. He loved telling stories and jokes and reciting poems and limericks. Mr. Shaffer enjoyed fishing in the ponds of Ohio as well as deep sea fishing in the waters off the Florida Keys. He was well known for his lecture on “The Trial of Christ,” given at numerous churches preceding Easter. He and his wife, Georgia, loved to travel and particularly loved staying in Paris. He was a connoisseur of fine wine and delicious food. He enjoyed a long and full life filled with meaningful work, numerous achievements and the joys of family life. He will be greatly missed but will live on in the hearts and minds of many. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, April 2, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan, with a luncheon served immediately following in the church fellowship hall. Private interment will take place at Lauber Hill Cemetery near Archbold, Ohio. Memorials are requested to Wesley United Methodist Church or to Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers Hospital Hospice.