Donald Shaffer

Donald Lee Shaffer, 93, of Alma, MI, went Home to be with his Lord on Thursday, May 30, 2019, at his home with his family by his side.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, on Monday, June 3, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Kelly Carlson officiating.  Burial will follow at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI.  Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2019 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.

Don was born in Toledo, OH on March 20, 1926, the son of Paul and Orah (Markham) Shaffer.  He graduated from Alma High School with the class of 1944.  On June 6, 1948, Don married Dorothy Marie Barnes. They were blessed with 63 short years of marriage prior to her passing on January 11, 2012.  He often reminded people to hug their spouse every day.

Don was a lifelong farmer in Gratiot County. He was a devoted member of the Ithaca Baptist Church for 56 years. Don enjoyed being with his church family and helping others whenever he could.  He was a frugal farmer, always reading and thinking about ways to improve life around the farm. Don had a great sense of humor and loved time spent with family.

Don is survived by  3 children: Sue (Gary) Hoekwater of Shepherd; Pam (Kevin) Fraker of Perrinton; Dave (Lori) Shaffer of Alma; 10 grandchildren: Josh (Lisa) Shaffer, Joe (Melissa) Shaffer, Mindy (Kirk) Saxton, Mike Shaffer, Heather (Jamin) Reda, Julie (Michael) Hunter, Kelly (David) Wallace, Luke Fraker, Monica (David) Schroeder, and Allison Hoekwater; and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 sisters:  Wanda O'Boyle and Fairy Lepley. Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, and brothers: Noel Shaffer and Karl Shaffer.

Memorials may be made to Ithaca Baptist Church, 221 Norton Gibbs Drive, Ithaca, MI 48847.  Online condolences may be left at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.