John William Shaffer, 63, of Indiana, PA passed away on Monday, June 26, 2006 at his home peacefully while surrounded by his family.A son of Claude Ellsworth Shaffer and Lila Elizabeth Bothell Shaffer Twigg, he was born December 7, 1942 in Indiana, PA.On August 25, 1973, John married Betty Jane Benamati Hughes and together they remained in the Indiana area.John was a Vietnam veteran, having served in the US Navy from 1962-1966 on the U.S.S. Essex. He worked at Helen Mine Coal Company for 24 years and did construction work.He was a member of the Indiana American Legion Post #141.His favorite hobbies were riding his Harley, fixing tractors, buying tools and spending time with his family and many friends he knew. John enjoyed his garden, a cold beer, a good cigar and a torn apart engine. John will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, a wonderful father and a loving grandfather. He leaves a legacy of laughter, hard work, flying tools and a commitment to family and friends. He also leaves many fond memories, precious moments and hour upon hour of advice and B.S. with many, but especially with his two devoted nephews, Jimmy Shaffer and Michael Wilson and his friends, neighbors and cohorts, George Zayac, Calvin Banks, Tim and Nancy Williams and Paul and Phil Shields. Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Betty; his daughter, Shay Linda Robinson of Indiana; his son, Terry Shaffer of Indiana; a stepson, Raymond Hughes and wife, Joan of Chester; two grandchildren, Junior Robinson and Evin Page; two brothers, Claire Shaffer and wife, Anita of Blairsville and James Shaffer and wife, Mary Lou of Indiana; four sisters, Dorothy Gima of Clymer; Mary Lazor of Homer City; Jean Uher of Homer City and Sally Lydic and husband, Beryl of Home; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, John William Shaffer Jr. in 2000 and two brothers, Thomas and Clarence Shaffer.The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 8 P.M. Thursday at the Shoemaker Funeral Home, 49 N. Walnut St., Blairsville, PA. At the request of John, there will be no funeral service.Interment will be private.Military services will be accorded by the VFW Post #5821 and the American Legion on Thursday at 8:00 P.M. in the funeral home.
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