Richard Lawrence Shaffer, Sr.

Richard Lawrence Shaffer, Sr.

POW – Korean War -

Richard Lawrence Shaffer, Sr., age 89, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 17, 2020.  Richard was born on Wednesday, May 14, 1930, in Richmond, Indiana, to the late Richard Lawrence Shaffer.  In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his former wife Jacquelyn Lee (Weaver) Shaffer; his stepdaughter Susan Edgerly; and his brother Paul Shaffer.

Richard’s survivors include his four children: Richard L. “Rick” Shaffer, Jr. of Mechanicsburg, Samuel Shaffer of Minneapolis, MN, Thomas Shaffer of Claremore, OK, and Roseanna L. Hoffman of Minneapolis; his 17 grandchildren; and his eight great-grandchildren.

Richard attended Richmond High School in Indiana.  He joined the U.S. Army and re-upped twice to go back to the war in Korea.  On his third deployment, Richard was captured and held as a Prisoner of War for 36.5 months.  Upon his return from Korea, every day Richard would drop in at the greenhouses of the famous Hills’ Roses, for which the city of Richmond became known as “Rose City”; and every day he would tell the greenhouse managers that they should hire him, until they finally did.  Richard became one of Hills’ Roses great rose growers, even getting his picture in the paper, posing with an eight-foot tall rose.  Richard retired from Hills’ Roses, after a long, successful career.  In his leisure time, Richard taught his son Rick how to work on cars, the way he learned from his father and uncles.  He also liked to play poker and was known as a jokester with a great sense of humor.

All are welcome to join Richard’s family for his virtual gathering of family and friends and service via video chat or telephone on Friday, April 24, 2020, from 11:20 a.m. until time of virtual viewing at 12:00 p.m. and time of funeral service at 12:15 p.m. with Celebrant George Spangler officiating.  A committal service with military honors will follow the funeral service.  Burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville will be at 2:30 p.m.

Richard’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Richard’s full obituary, view his memorial portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.

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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

Family and friends are welcome to join Richard's family via video chat or telephone on Friday, April 24, 2020, beginning at approximately 11:20 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://Zoom.us/j/91111431285

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 911 1143 1285

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