Burton James Leland Shaffer, age 75 years, a resident of Elkins, WV departed this life late Friday evening, December 6, 2013 at the Ruby Memorial Hospital at Morgantown, WV with his family at his side. He had been in declining health however death was unexpected.
He was born Friday, June 3, 1938 at Elkins, WV a son of the late Howard Burton and Malinda Florence Williams Shaffer. He was married to the former Sarah Birch, who preceded him in death. Surviving are two sons, Walter Burton “Buddy” Shaffer and wife Jeanette Elizabeth, of Horseshoe Run; Peter Burton Shaffer, of Sharon, PA; one daughter, Bonnie Sue Paugh and husband Richard, of Oakland, MD; two brothers, Harry Edsel Shaffer and wife Debbie, of New Castle, VA; Arlton Bruce Shaffer, of Beverly; five sisters, Mary “Helen” Capuano, of Salineville, OH; Charllotte Florence Arbogast, of Alliance, OH; Margarette J. Williams, of Darlington, SC; Wanda Ruth Essex and husband Ray, of Elkins; Sheila Rose Trail and husband James, of Marion, SC; eight grandchildren, Tia Marie; Gregory; Adam; Aaron; Jordon; Timmy; Joshua; and Christine; four great grandchildren; two aunts, Betty Williams Robey; and Shirley Streets Shaffer, all of Elkins; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are one son, Timothy Allen Shaffer; and one brother, William Howard “Bill” Shaffer.
He attended the schools of Randolph County and was a veteran of the U. S. Army. He was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars in Ohio. He was a former employee of Allegheny Lumber, was a mechanic for the former Shavers Motor Company of Elkins, had worked for American Steel of Indiana, and Youngstown Steel Company of Ohio. He retired as a diesel mechanic of heavy equipment for the Midwest Steel and Alloy Company of Hubbard, OH. He was an avid outdoorsman, gardener, was musically inclined playing various string instruments, writing songs and was especially fond of bluegrass music, western movies and his beloved dog, Buster.
The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 5 to 8 PM, Tuesday. Final Rites will be conducted at the funeral home, Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 11:30 AM. Pastor Bryan M. Headley will officiate and interment will follow at the Mountain State Memorial Gardens at Gilman, WV.
