Noel Shaffer

Noel Edwards Shaffer

LOUDONVILLE: Noel Edwards Shaffer, 104, of Loudonville, died Saturday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2011 after a short illness. Mr. Shaffer was born August 30, 1907 in Wadsworth and was the son of the late E.G. and Alice (Edwards) Shaffer. He was a 1925 graduate of Wadsworth High School, a 1930 graduate of Ashland College, and did graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Harvard University, and Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Shaffer began his teaching career at Jeromesville High School where he taught science for 14 years and then taught chemistry and physics for 22 years at Loudonville High School. Following his high school retirement, he taught 8 years for Ashland College in the science department. On June 4, 1935 he married Ann L. Doerrer in Trinity Lutheran Church, Jeromesville and they enjoyed 74 years of marriage before her death on June 19, 2009.

Mr. Shaffer was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Loudonville, serving on the church council, the 1957 church rebuilding committee, as Sunday school teacher, as a member of the choir, and as church historian. He wrote two early histories of Zion Lutheran Church and more recently the history entitled "Roots of Zion". He was a charter member of the Loudonville Lions Club with over 60 years of service and wrote the history of the Lion's Club for their 50th Anniversary. He also wrote the history of the Loudonville Progress Club in celebration of their first 100 years. He was a member of the Loudonville Investment Club for many years.

After retirement from teaching, he was curator of the Cleo Redd Fisher Museum for 15 years. He was an avid antique collector, judging at several antique shows. He collected and repaired furniture and dishes, including gaudy welsh, iron stone, and splatterware. Mr. Shaffer enjoyed travel and was a voracious reader. The Loudonville Public Library named their reading room in his honor and in 2007 he was delighted to celebrate his 100th birthday at the library.

Mr. Shaffer was given the 1961 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award by the Senior Chamber of Commerce, and the1963 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award by the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Shaffer is survived by his daughter and son-in-law: Jane & Robert Ganelin of Scottsdale, AZ; his son: Fred Shaffer of Loudonville; 3 granddaughters: Jane Bainter, Jessica Bainter, and Susan Baghdadi; and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two brothers: Myron and Frederick Shaffer; and 2 sisters: Rhea Baldwin and Rosella Nicodemus.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, Nov. 11 in Loudonville Cemetery, with Rev. Scott Henderson, officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, Nov. 10th from 6-8 PM in the Byerly-Lindsey Funeral Home, Loudonville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Loudonville Public Library, 122 East Main Street, Loudonville, OH 44842 or Zion Lutheran Church, 222 East Main Street, Loudonville, OH 44842. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Colonial Manor Health Care Center and Dr. David Tomchak. Online condolences may be left for the Shaffer family at www.Byerly-Lindsey.com.