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Lawrence Shiflett Obituary
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 8th, at the Front Royal United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. conducted by The Rev. Gary Heaton. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery.
Mr. Shiflett was born July 18, 1927, in Lydia, Virginia, son of the late Newton Alfred and Hettie Dean Shiflett.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran of W.W.II and retired after 28 years of service from the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He was an athletic trainer for the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers (CIOR) team for fifteen years.
Mr. Shiflett was a 1953 graduate of Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, where he received a degree in sociology. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. During his college career he lettered in football for four years and baseball for three years. He was All-State in the Virginia Little Six Conference for three years in football and three years in baseball and All-Conference in the Mason-Dixon Conference for two years in football.
Mr. Shiflett retired from the Warren County Public School System after 28 years of service. As well as a teacher, he was a Warren County High School coach and athletic director. For his years of service and contributions to the athletic department, The Lawrence M. "Sweeney" Shiflett Hall of Fame was founded in 2002 with Mr. Shiflett being the first inductee. He was a member of the Retired Athletic Directors Association, the Masonic Unity Lodge 146 AF & AM, the American Legion Giles B. Cook Post 53, the Air Force Sergeants Association, and the Front Royal United Methodist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Helen Butler Shiflett; three daughters, Karen Paige Purdham of Stanley and her husband Douglas, Terry Shiflett Ewell of Winchester and her husband Douglas, and Patricia Ann Leonard of Winchester and her husband Rick; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
With his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Rex A. Shiflett, Lloyd N. Shiflett, and Omar F. Shiflett.
Pallbearers will be Calvin Allison, Edwin Eastham, III, C. Yates Hall, Donald F. "Curley" Hazelette, Jr., Jack Lee, Nelson Longerbeam, and Buck Smith.
Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Shiflett's former coaches and athletes.
There will be a service by the Masonic Unity Lodge 146 on Monday at 6:30 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home in Front Royal. The family will receive friends from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Warren County Athletic Association, 155 Westminster Dr., Front Royal, VA 22630 or to the Front Royal United Methodist Church, 1 West Main St., Front Royal, VA 22630.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Shiflett
December 2, 2011
Our love and sympathy to your family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Gigi & Steve
steve campbell
November 13, 2011
Paige, Patty and Terry I will never forget all my memories of your mom and dad. they where both special people to me and have been an inspiration to so many people in front royal. they will always be in my heart and memories. i can imagine he is already putting his players teams together up in heaven.
love to all of you,
November 12, 2011
Patty and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. Your Dad left an amazing legacy and will be remembered by many.
God Bless,
Leticia
November 11, 2011
Dear Helen and Family of Lawrence "Doc" Shiflett,
My wife and I want you to know that we will be praying for Doc and his family and offer our condolences. He was a great man, friend, and a father figure to many of us who knew him. My wife and I knew Doc and Helen through our participation in CIOR for many years and consider them both dear friends. He will always be remembered.
God Bless,
Walter F. Conner
Colonel USMC-ret
CIOR
Hightstown, New Jersey
Barbara Huss
November 11, 2011
To the Shiflett Family,
As a teacher, many lives are touched. The influnce this has on the students may never be known, however, there is no doubt to the fact the Sweeney did have a great impact on many students and athletes. I was blessed to have known him when I lived in Front Royal and worked for the school system.
May all of your many memories be a comfort.
Love to all--
Barry Lewis
November 11, 2011
Sweeney will not be forgotten. Our memories are part of his legacy, in stories we pass to our children and grandchildren, in our character forged by his influence on our lives.
May all who knew and loved him find peace here, as we know he has found peace above.
May his memory be eternal.
Bill Flahive
November 11, 2011
I am a CIOR alum and send my condolences on the passing of Doc. I knew him only through CIOR where he was so skilled in treating our injuries and keeping us safe in the very hot training areas at Ft. Sam. It is wonderful to know of all the other great contributions he made to his family and colleages in Virginia. My prayers are with you in this time of grief.
Dusty Davis
November 10, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Keith Pomeroy
November 10, 2011
What a man, I will never forget what he did for not only the youth but everyone else. To the family, I have never been a part of a family with all the love they have for family and other ones. Sweeyey will never be forgotten by any body.I will miss him alot and hope I will be half the person Sweeney was. Good lock to Helen and I will always be around for the Shiflett family,I love all of you.
Norman . Butler Jr
November 10, 2011
To Ant Helen and Family
Sorry for your loss, we will keep you in our prayers.
You Nephew, Norman Butler Jr. and wife Marlene
Roger Harvey
November 10, 2011
Dear Family and Friends of the CIOR Team's "Doc" Shiflett: I'm sure “Doc” cared in different ways for everyone reading this. He taped, patched, bandaged and wrapped hundreds of athletes for many years as the Athletic Trainer of the United States Confederation of Interallied Reserve Officers Military Competitions Team. He was the first guy everyone looked for when something needing patching up. And I don't mean just our wounds. He soothed our disappointments and shared in our celebrations. “Doc” deserves credit for many of the fond memories we have of those years. We hosted a bunch of German athletes at Fort Sam Houston, including 10 times world champion Hartmut Nienaber who told us the best part of coming to America was meeting a guy like “Doc.” We all appreciated his professional abilities, but we all cherished his wit and character. To the family...thanks for lending him to us all those summers. To the friends who might not have known the side of him we'll never forget - he was “one of a kind.” “Doc”…you are, and always will be… great medicine for the soul. “Till we meet again.
Terry Ewell
November 9, 2011
Thank you to everyone who has posted a comment. It has brought me a lot of comfort over the last few days. My Dad truly was a great man.
We send our love to all of you,
Terry Shiflett Ewell and family
Mary Langfitt Touhey
November 9, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sweeney. He was such a inspiration to so many and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
November 8, 2011
"Doc" Shiflett was a great American, and a great friend and mentor to those who were fortunate enough to know him. He proudly wore his country's uniform, and he was a model of encouragement for others of us to do the same.
Thank you, Doc! We shall never forget you.
All the best to the Shiflett family,
Paul
F. Paul Briggs
U.S. CIOR Mil. Pentathlon Team
Colonel, USMC (Ret)
Robert Turner, Jr
November 8, 2011
Thanks for being a person I could just sit and talk to...You will be missed by all of those who lives you touched ...
November 8, 2011
To Sweeney's wonderful family we send our heartfelt sympathy. You are in our prayers. Your many friends will help ease the pain and void you will feel with the passing of such a wonderful man who meant so much to the school system and Front Royal community. Our special love to his girls.
Len and MaryLee Maiden
Columbia, SC
Helen & Doc Shiflett, 1993
Jim and Barbara Polk
November 8, 2011
I first met Doc in 1975, my first year with CIOR. Doc and I were the only two Air Force members on the team that year, and it was the beginning of a long enduring friendship. Without his support, knowledge and great sense of humor I don't think I would have made the team. Doc was a great friend and a great American. Please accept Barbara's and my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Jim and Barbara Polk
April Atkins
November 8, 2011
Dear Helen, Paige, Terry, and Patty,
Many memories from way back remembering Sweeny and Daddy in Reserves together coming to your house and watching football games cherrish all of the wonderful memories here for you Helen like you care for everyone you are in our prayers.
Love you,
April Atkins, Anita Burke, and family
Craig Winn
November 8, 2011
To a man i respected and considered a friend. You will be missed Sweeney.
Robert King
November 8, 2011
What a powerful athletic force! I had the oppurtunity of playing for coach in 1968 and 1969. Skinny, with an obvious lack of knowledge for the game of football and in a matter of one year we were transformed into ahtletic specimens.
With hard work we took a rag tag team of wannabees and became a team that was to be reckoned with. Not in a million years could this have been accomplished without the strict and caring tutelage of Lawrence Shifflett. To this very day the man has left an indelible impression on my life. I will never ever forget him or the experience.
I know he is in a better place.
God bless "The Coach" and his family.
Robet "Voc" King
November 8, 2011
Mr. Shiflett was an outstanding organizer while the athletics director for many years at Warren County High School. I had the pleasure of knowing Sweeney for over 30 years and always enjoyed our conversations with each other. He will be missed in the Warren County community. My wife Cathy and I send our condolences to the entire Shiflett family and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg Brill, Front Royal, Va.
Richard Armstrong
November 8, 2011
Mr. Shifflett was a vital part of Warren County Public Schools, the community of Front Royal and Warren County and the Front Royal United Methodist Church. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Rennoe Irish
November 8, 2011
Sweeney was an encourager to literally thousands of students who passed through Warren County High School. God bless his family.
Donna & Randy Poe
November 8, 2011
To all of the Shiflett family... We loved him. He was my drivers Ed. teacher and Randy's coach. We will miss him and pray for your family.
CIOR Competition, France 1979
Chuck Ferguson
November 7, 2011
The entire CIOR Team from the 1970s and 1980s morns the loss of this great American. He and Helen took care of us in so many ways far removed from his excellent athletic training. "Doc
Renee Athey
November 7, 2011
Mr. Shifflett was my athletic director during high school. What a inspiration to us all. God Bless and prayers to the family.
Garry Henry
November 7, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Shirley (Sam) (McCreight ) Wenzel
November 7, 2011
The Shiflett Family..I am so sorry for your loss, he will be missed by all who knew him....truly a great man !! R.I.P. Coach.....
Allen Frazier
November 7, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Shifflett's passing. He was a great influence on many a student through the years, including myself. I will never forget him. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this time of grief. Just know he meant a great deal to many.
Anthony " Capp" Whitmore
November 7, 2011
To The Shifflett Family, my condolences go out to you on the passing of Coach Shifflett, I personally Think He Was A Great Man, One That Taught Me Alot And Not Just About Athletics But In Life! He Was A Very Inspirational Person To All That Came In Contact With Him!!! he Will Sorely Be Missed By The Wildcat Families Everywhere God Bless You All During This Time!!!!
Juanita Spencer
November 7, 2011
I am sorry to hear about Mr Shifflett. He was a good man and well liked by everyone. May GOD be with the family now and forever.
LOVE AND PRAYERS
Juanita Spencer
Maynard & Carole Williams
November 7, 2011
Mr. Shifflett will be greatly missed by his church family.
November 7, 2011
To the Shifflett family, Helen, Paige, Terry and Patty,
Sweeny will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His legend will live on in the town of Front Royal. Our sincere sympathy.
Peg and Bill Rosenberry, The Villages, FL
November 7, 2011
I had the honor and privilege to know Mr. Shiflett for over 30 years. I always admired how organized Sweeney was as a coach and as an athletics director. When you think of Warren County High School sports and you have followed the Wildcats for years, the first name that comes to mind is Lawrence "Sweeney" Shiflett. He was the Face of the Warren County Wildcats. I know Sweeney cared about athletes, both boys and girls. He would show the same interest, and this can be backed by the fact that not only did Mr. Shiflett coach football at WCHS but he also started the softball program there. There was no state tournament back in the mid- to late-1970s, but Sweeney coached the girls to regional championships in both 1976 and 1977. I think it is safe to say that many of his colleagues throughout the Northwestern District, Region II, and Group AA held Mr. Shiflett with high regard. I know I did, and he was always very helpful to me whenever I needed some information on Warren County teams that I covered as a sports reporter. I also know that Sweeney and his wife enjoyed following their grandchildren when they had athletic events. They were always there. My condolences go out to the Shiflett family and my wife Cathy and I will keep you in our prayers.
Greg Brill (Front Royal, Va.)
Shelly Moyer
November 7, 2011
My sympathy to the Shiflett family and to the community that feels this great loss. I and many people crossed paths with this great man and he was an awesome human being. He touched so many lives through the years. My late husband Joel Moyer spoke very highly of Mr. Shiflett also. I remember himvery well he was my drivers Ed teacher. When I did my behind the wheel, even tho I was a nervous wreck, he told me not to worry about it I was doing fine. And as I was paralell parking, someone on the street yelled "give her an A," and he did! Rest in Peace Coach, you will be greatly missed. Shelly Ebersole Moyer, Mt. Airy Md (formerly Front Royal)
Martha Tillemans Buracker
November 7, 2011
Patty, Terry, Paige and Mrs. Shifflett,
I have such fond memories of having Sweeeney as my softball coach in 1976 and 1977. He had a knack for not only teaching us the game, but for making us believe in ourselves and that we could accomplish anything. He turned a good group of softball players into Regional Champions two years in a row and we had a blast. I know that he gave us all his best and he will be forever in our hearts. He's now gone from his life on earth, but he'll always be watching over you. RIP Coach Shifflett you were the best!
Connie Funk Knepper
November 7, 2011
Terry and family,
Coach Shiflett was an icon in our school and in the community. He taught (me) Driver's Ed but I remember him most at the HS football games. He came to our 25th reunion in 2000 and he had hardly changed from how I remembered him.
Your family was blessed to have a father/husband that was as terrific as he was - you just have to give him back now. May your hearts be healed knowing you'll meet again some day. Deepest sympathy in your time of grief.
Amy Fox-Stewart
November 7, 2011
Mr. Shiflett was one of a kind!!! A very kind man who made such an impact on us who were fortunate enough to know him. He will truly be missed!! Thoughts and Prayers during this very sad time!!!
Joe Corbin
November 7, 2011
Mrs. Shiflett, Paige, Terry and Patty,
I admired Coach Shiflett. He was a man of composure, respect, patience and faith and a good role model for all who knew him. I worked the halftime refreshment stand at basketball games and he asked me if I wanted a summer job. He got me my first job! I think we were all lucky to have been a part of his life! His legacy will live forever in those that knew and cared greatly for him. We will miss you Coach.
November 7, 2011
TO the Shiflett Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. We hope all your happy times with Mr. Shiflett will help through this difficult time.
Love,
Laura & Steve (Salem, Va)
Jeff~Rhonda~Abigail Fisher
November 7, 2011
To Paige & Shiflett family:
John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
We are not with you, but we will be there for you as the days follow, know it!
Love You
Mike Hughes
November 7, 2011
Helen and Family,
Doc was the man of broad shoulders whom we admired, relied upon to keep us competing when injured and provided us his respected honest opinion when we, in later years as coaches, selected the CIOR Team. He was Burke Christensen's and my golfing partner and his athletic ability amazed us. Doc's is a CIOR legacy that will live as long as Team members are living.
Chuck Walton
November 7, 2011
To all the family,
I am proud to have known Coach. My family knew him for many years and he was a wonderful mentor and a very special man. We will all miss him but we can know Heaven has gained from this world's loss.
God bless
Don & Georgann Clem
November 7, 2011
Terry and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. Warren County has lost one of its greatest mentors with the passing of Sweeney. He certainly had a positive impact on me as a young man, and I will always value the time I spent with him. I hope it is some comfort that he touched so many lives in a positive way. You all are in our prayers,
Bob Mason
November 7, 2011
To Mrs. Shiflett and Family,
Mr. Shiflett was my professional mentor and with Mrs. Shiflett they were the most influential people in my professional life. Mr. Shiflett touched many, many lives and made a difference. His legacy is secure. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Coffelt
November 7, 2011
To Paige and the Shiflett family:
I pray that God will give you comfort and peace during this difficult time in loss of a loved one, that was so dear to so many.
Love & Blessings, Lisa Coffelt
Albie Lewis
November 7, 2011
It is with great sadness that I receive the news of "Doc's" passing. As a former CIOR pentathlete from 1978 to 1982 I can't speak enough of what a great mentor and friend he was to all the athletes! My thought and prayers are with you all!
Debra Smith-Szablak
November 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have many a fond memory of Coach. He was a great person who will always live in our hearts.
November 7, 2011
Helen, Terry, Paige, and Patty,
I was so sorry to learn of your loss. Sweeney's life touched so many others. Take comfort in knowing that"Those who have given of themselves to others will live forever in every single heart they have touched."
Joyce Hamer
November 7, 2011
My sympathy to Helen and family in the death of Sweeney. I remember both of them working in the Warren County School System. You will have many good memories to give you strength during the coming days and help you through your grief.
Margaret Oliver [former Front Royal resident now in Richmond]
Bob Ladd
November 7, 2011
Mrs. Shifflett and family. Few men other than my dad have had the impact on my life that Sweeney had. He helped mold countless young lives that help make Front Royal and many other communities better places today. We were all fortunate to have him in ours and I hope your grief is soon replaced by a smile as you remember the many good years with him. Bobby Ladd, Staunton, VA
Jerry Walters
November 7, 2011
To the Shiflett Family,
Sweeney was one of the finest men that I ever came into contact with in the education field. He will be missed by all of his fellow athletic directors. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Flo Zickgraf
November 7, 2011
Patty and Family,
Your Dad was quite a man! So sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in prayer.
Sharon Walker-Kuykendall
November 7, 2011
To the Shiflett Family:
Your family has been a big part of my life growing up in school, church and friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Virginia Kuser
November 7, 2011
November 07, 2011
Helen and Family, My Thoughts and Prayers are with you. I will always Mr. Shiflett having a kind way about him when teaching us to drive. I also remember the stories my Dad use to tell about growing up with him and they were all good. May God Bless You Helen and The Family!
Pat Cullers
November 7, 2011
Helen and family,
We are unable to be there for family night or the service, but our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sweeney will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Pat & Bob Cullers
Beth Waller
November 7, 2011
Thinking of your family and remembering the wonderful legacy Mr. Shiflett has left for our community.
Love,
Beth Medved Waller
November 7, 2011
Doc Shifflett impacted many lives, mine was one of those lives. He was not only a trainer for the US CIOR Millitary Pentathlon team, but a great guy to force you to honestly check your direction in life. I fondly remember his way with words and people that instantly made you like him. My sympathy to his family and I will keep them in my thoughts. Clai Gardner (Honolulu, HI)
Clay Athey
November 7, 2011
What a man and what an example for young people! He could have been a success at at any profession he chose and to the benefit of thousands of Warren County children, the Lord led him to return home to influence the lives of Warren County's children. His reward in Heaven is assured and although we mourn his passing as a community, his example of a life dedicated to children will live on for all who knew him or are reminded of him each year when a new group of Warren County graduates are added to the Hall so appropriately named in his honor. Our entire community mourns with his special wife and children.
Clay and Stacey Athey/ The extended Athey family
Kimberly Gwinn
November 6, 2011
The family of couch Shiflett will be in my heart.
Kevin Windle
November 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to Coach and his family.He will be missed by all
November 6, 2011
Mr. Shifflett was a very dedicated and important friend to so many people. He will be missed very much. He always had very caring words and encouragement to us all. I was in the Class Of 1974, and I know everyone of us will keep him in our prayers and memories! My sympathy to his wife and family for their loss! Jane Crook (Charles Town WV).
November 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Mr Shiflett touched so many people.
Rosa Henry
November 6, 2011
Terry, Paige, Patty and Mrs. Shifflett, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Shifflett was a wonderful man and he will be missed. Love you all,
Eric Stephens
November 6, 2011
Helen and Shiflett family,
I was one of many CIOR competitors that 'Doc' Shiflett touched, taped and encouraged. He was a special athletic trainer and became a friend for many of us each summer. You have lost a caring man and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eric Stephens
November 6, 2011
Mr.Shiflett will be missed by all that knew him. My prayers go out to all of his family.
Robbie Robinson {class of 1990}
Adele & Mel Medved
November 6, 2011
A most special man has passed on....and he will be missed by many. Please accept our sincere sympathy for your loss.
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