Kris Allen Shaffer, age 55, of Shelby, died early Tuesday morning, July 25, 2023 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Kris completed his life’s journey following a dignified and respectable battle with cancer.
Kris was born March 6, 1968 in Shelby to Richard A. “Dick” and Sharon A. (Harding) Shaffer. A 1986 graduate of Shelby High School, Kris then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served nearly four years for his country, primarily being stationed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, OK. Following his honorable discharge, Kris began his career with Ashland Comfort Control where he worked his entire career and remained currently employed as their Operations Manager.
Kris truly was the modern-day version of the Good Samaritan. It was throughout his 30+ years of travel on State Route 96 between Ashland and Shelby where he never ceased to come across someone in need and he always came to their aid. The stories were numerous and often astonishing. Beyond his numerous kind gestures, Kris never ceased to enjoy life whether that being owning and riding several Harley Davidson Motorcycles, cheering on the Cleveland Browns as a lifelong Browns fan, or camping- a hobby instilled in him as a child with his parents which he, in turn, shared with his family. He loved going to Lake Erie whether that be to visit the beach or to fish- a hobby which he did license in hand or not. And the lake was not the only body of water which he enjoyed visiting. It was water or beaches anywhere on their numerous family trips which brought him much happiness. All these hobbies, however, were done in the company of family and numerous friends, which he made easily. Kris loved spending time with others especially his family, Linder’s friends, work family, Tuesday night golf league buddies, or numerous friends in his garage at home where he spent countless hours tinkering- especially on anything with a motor.
Above all, in his own words, Kris told his wife, Kelly, “what truly gave me the greatest joy in life was watching my kids grow and in all of their sporting activities.” Kris is survived by his wife of 31 years, Kelly Renae (Howerton) Shaffer, whom he wed on July 18, 1992; children: Miranda Shaffer (fiancé, Michael Schuller) of Huron and Dylan (Alexandra) Shaffer of Columbus; parents: Dick and Sharon Shaffer of Shelby; sisters: Deb (Brad) Carpenter of Shelby, Diane (Dave) Ramey of Lexington, and Kim (Andy) Finnegan of Shelby; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Robert Dean and Sally Howerton of Shelby; in-laws: Robert (Lori) Howerton, Jr. of Green and Tracey Howerton of Union, KY; his faithful canine companion: Nala; and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, other relatives, and many friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, July 30, 2023 from 1-3 and 5-7 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 10:30 am with Rev. Dr. Edna Stahl officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters or Habitat for Humanity of Richland and Crawford Counties and left in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed on Kris’ obituary on the funeral home’s website, www.PenwellTurner.com, or their Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.