M. LeRoyd Shaffer, of Mount Gilead, died peacefully on Tuesday afternoon, October 11, 2011, at the Doctor’s Lake Health Care Center in Orange Park, Florida, after living a full and entertaining 96 years.
On December 15, 1914, LeRoyd was born in Cardington, Ohio, one of four children of the late Murray and Leona (Orr) Shaffer.
He graduated from Cardington High School in the Class of 1933, where he excelled in basketball, helped them win several championships, and was picked as an All-County forward in 1932 and 1933. He then attended the Ohio State University.
Shortly after completing his first year of college, his father passed away unexpectedly, and so LeRoyd decided to leave college.
One night at a dance in Edison, LeRoyd met a girl who caught his attention, Ethel “Mitzie” Dilger. After graduating, they were married on November 9, 1936. Together they shared over 68 wonderful years of marriage, and lovingly raised two children. She preceded him in death on December 29, 2004.
After farming for a few years, LeRoyd found work as a lathe operator at the Hydraulic Press Manufacturing plant in Mount Gilead. He was not able to join in the fight of World War II, because he was needed there at the shop. He worked as a machinist, plant foreman, and expeditor until he retired after 43 dedicated years of service. He had also been a member of the Machinist’s Union.
A man of faith, LeRoyd was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Mount Gilead Masonic Lodge #238, the White Shrine, and he had been a member and past worthy patron of the Eastern Star in Mount Gilead.
An avid fisherman and boater, LeRoyd and his family thoroughly enjoyed spending every weekend at Lake Erie for over ten years.
Traveling as often as they could, LeRoyd and Mitzie visited every state, and traveled all throughout Canada, Mexico, and Europe. They also wintered in Texas for over 20 years.
Despite having to leave school early, LeRoyd continued to be an Ohio State University fanatic.
With a love for dancing, there was no doubt that “if there was music playing LeRoyd’s toes were tapping.” He and Mitzie fell in love at a dance, and they continued dancing together the rest of their lives.
Getting a lot of use out of his Library card, LeRoyd could often be found reading or sleeping at the Mount Gilead Public Library.
Known for being a “cut up”, LeRoyd always had a story and they were often of the ornery variety.
He will be dearly missed by his two children: David (Barbara) Shaffer of Toledo, and Sandra “Nonnie” (Russell) Hamilton of Middleburg, Florida; four grandchildren: Eric (Jana) Ashbrook, Arleigh (Robert) Jones, John (Patricia) Shaffer and Christopher (Katherine) Shaffer; 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way; a sister-in-law, Donna Shaffer Dale of Portland, Indiana; and one niece and one nephew.
Including his wife and parents, LeRoyd was preceded in death by two brothers: O.J. and Leon Shaffer; and a sister, Marian Staley.
The Shaffer family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2011, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead, where Masonic services will be observed at 7:00 p.m. Services honoring his life will also be held there on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Charles Graham officiating. His family will again greet friends for an hour prior to his services. Burial will then follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Gilead Public Library, 41 E. High St., Mt. Gilead, OH 43338, or to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 75 E. High St., Mt. Gilead, OH 43338.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve LeRoyd’s family, and online condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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