Robert L. Shaffer

Robert "Bob" Lee Shaffer
Robert Lee Shaffer, 94, Topeka died Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at Plaza West Care Facility and also under the care of Grace Hospice. Bob was born June 12, 1917 in Middletown, OH, the son of LeRoy and Mae (Shifflet) Shaffer.
He married Charlotte Cook on June 18, 1939. They were married for 67 years. She preceded him in death in 2007.
He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Harry Shaffer, daughter Nita Mae Shaffer, infant son Robert Lee Shaffer, and grandson Jared Pufahl.
Bob graduated from Topeka High School in 1935. He was a member of Oakland Christian Church where he served as Elder, Deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, Board Member and many other leadership positions. He was a member of the Masonic Golden Rule Lodge #90 for 62 years. He served in the United States Navy during WW II as a radio operator on a mine sweeper.
Bob retired in 1980 from the State of Kansas Division of Printing, where he was an artist, and started the art department. He also worked as a lithographer. He worked closely with the State Fish and Game Department, creating the artwork for their magazine and State wildlife posters. During this time he also designed the Governor's Christmas Card. Prior to working with the State he worked 18 years for Myers Yearbook Company as a production control manager.
He was devoted to his loving wife, his family and his church. He was a talented artist, a wonderful dad and loving grandpa. He spent many hours in retirement painting beautiful pictures. The majority of the pictures were outdoor scenes. All of his children and grandchildren learned to love the bountiful gifts of nature. Because of him, many enjoy fishing and hunting. Bob is survived by his three daughters, Judy (Lloyd Sr.) Lavin, Tecumseh; Bobbie (Jerry) Pufahl, Joplin, MO; Jane (Ken) Clouse, Topeka. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Lloyd (Connie) Lavin, Jr, Tecumseh; Tim (Paula) Lavin, Lawrence; Stacy (Brent) Lavin Colhouer, Topeka; Lisa (James) Pufahl Keele, Joplin, MO; Michael (Kari) Clouse, Salina; Kimberly Clouse, Topeka; 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; brother, Jack (Sharon) Shaffer, Vancouver, WA; and sisters June Dean, Portland, OR; and Vivian Mendel, Oregon City, OR.
Visitation will be Sunday, September 18th 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence, Topeka. Services will be Monday, September 19th at 11:00 a.m. same location. Military honors will be conducted at Meriden Cemetery.
A memorial bench will be dedicated to Bob and Charlotte at their favorite fishing spot at Lake Shawnee. Memorial contributions for the bench can be sent to the funeral home.