Donald Joseph Shaffer, 87, of Lang Farm Road, Marietta, died Friday evening, November 30, 2012, at Marietta Memorial Hospital. Born September 19, 1925, in Zanesville, OH, he was a son of the late Charles Austin and Alvina Ranft Shaffer. Following graduation from New Lexington High School, he attended and graduated from Ohio University. He served with the U S Navy during WWII, and later retired as a chemist from Allied Chemical in 1974. Don was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. He also was a member of the O'Neill Senior Center and the Churchtown Seniors. For many years, he had been active with the Wellness Center at Marietta Memorial Hospital. Don enjoyed doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles, and most anything having to do with trains. Survivors include a step-daughter, Mary Emge, a step-son, Michael Emge (Jan), a step-grandson, Todd Emge and a step-granddaughter, Holly Emge, all of Marietta. Also surviving is his brother, Ralph Shaffer, of Cincinnati, and nine nephews and nieces and sixteen great-nephews and great-nieces. Don married Margene Harbaugh Emge December 10, 1983. She died July 31, 1992. He also was preceded in death by two brothers and their wives, Charles and Imogene Shaffer and Harry and Betty Shaffer, and by Mary Shaffer, his brother Ralph's wife. Funeral Liturgy, with Mass, will be 10:00 am Tuesday, December 4, 2012, at St. John's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Virgil Reischman as celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with full military rites observed. Don's family will greet friends at the Marietta Chapel of Cawley & Peoples Funeral Home on Monday, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. There will be a Vigil Service at 3:00 PM. It is suggested that memorial contributions may be directed to St. John's Catholic Church, 17784 State Route 676, Marietta, OH 45750.
