Donald L. Shaffer, 81, of Howard, was called to his Heavenly home while surrounded by family, on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born on March 22, 1944 in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late James and Johann (Conaway) Shaffer. On July 2, 1983, he married his beloved wife, Diane M. (Worden) Shaffer, who survives him at home after sharing 42 years of marriage together.
In Donald’s younger years, he attended a one-room schoolhouse in Jacksonville, PA. While attending high school at Bellefonte Area High School, he worked for many local farmers in and around Jacksonville. After graduation, he went to work for Don Spangler Ford in Lock Haven, PA, where he held many roles for both that dealership as well as many succeeding owners for over 47 years, retiring in 2007. After retirement, he worked for Weis Markets in Bellefonte, PA, until 2020 where he made many customers into friends.
In addition to his wife, Diane, he is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Shenk of Bellefonte, granddaughters, Courtney Holliday (Cameron Griffin), Megan Holliday (Jack McCoy), and Kenna Shenk, and a great grandson, Rock Griffin. Preceding him in death are his siblings, Barbara Peck, Rebecca Shawver, Dorothy Roan, James Shaffer, Sarah Etters, and Charlotte Bloom. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by many family members and friends.
Donald found joy in several hobbies including hunting with his nephews, fishing with his grandchildren, spoiling his grand dogs and working on landscaping projects at home. He was also a fan of WWE’s Monday Night Raw, which was the theme for his surprise 80th birthday party!
Donald was a very active member of the Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Jacksonville where his faith led him to serve in various administrative and leadership roles.
A brief graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at the Jacksonville Cemetery next to Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 4135 Jacksonville Road, Jacksonville, with Pastor Cindy Killinger officiating.
A Celebration of Life service is being planned for Sunday, May 31st at Emmanuel UCC in Jacksonville; time to be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Howard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Donald to Emmanuel United Church of Christ, PO Box 123, Howard, PA 16841 or the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania at 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 134A, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or by going to www.kfcp.org/donation.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.