Donald L. Shaffer

Donald L. Shaffer, 81, of Howard, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, surrounded by his loving family. 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 Diane M. (Worden) Shaffer, who survives him at home after 42 years of marriage.

Donald attended a one-room schoolhouse in Jacksonville and graduated from Bellefonte Area High School. In his youth, he worked for local farmers in the Jacksonville area. He spent more than 47 years at Don Spangler Ford in Lock Haven and its succeeding dealerships, retiring in 2007. In retirement, he worked at Weis Markets in Bellefonte until 2020, where he formed many lasting friendships with customers.

He is survived by his wife, Diane; his daughter, Kimberly Shenk of Bellefonte; granddaughters Courtney Holliday (Cameron Griffin), Megan Holliday (Jack McCoy), and Kenna Shenk; and great-grandson Rock Griffin. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Barbara Peck, Rebecca Shawver, Dorothy Roan, James Shaffer, Sarah Etters, and Charlotte Bloom, and leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

Donald found great joy in hunting with his nephews, fishing with his grandchildren, spoiling his grand dogs, and tending to landscaping projects at home. A devoted fan of WWE’s Monday Night Raw, he was celebrated with a surprise 80th birthday party built around that theme. A man of deep faith, he was an active member of Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Jacksonville, where he served in numerous administrative and leadership roles. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his family and friends.