Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
4601 South Western Ave
Marion, Indiana
Jack Shaffner Obituary
Jack Howard Shaffner, a beloved husband, educator, and community leader, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 18, 2025. He was 95 years old. Jack was born on June 11, 1930, to the late Arlie and Charlotte "Ruth" Shaffner, and he cherished every moment of his rich and fulfilling life.
A proud graduate of Wendell Willkie High School in 1948, Jack continued his education at Anderson College before graduating from Ball State University in 1952. His commitment to service called him to the U.S. Army, where he proudly served from September 1952 to June 1954.
With a passion for education, Jack dedicated his life to shaping young minds. He worked as a coach, physical education teacher, and industrial arts teacher before taking on the role of principal at Sweetser Elementary from 1960 to 1974. He continued his impactful career as the principal of Oak Hill Junior High School until his retirement in 1988. Jack's love for education was matched only by his love for reading.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jack was deeply involved in his community, serving on the Board of Directors for VIA Credit Union. His warm spirit and dedication to bettering the lives of others left a lasting mark on students, colleagues, and community members alike. He was a regular attendee of College Wesleyan Church.
Jack is survived by his cherished wife, Winnie Shaffner; son, Michael Shaffner; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlie and Ruth; first wife and mother of his children, Joyce Shaffner; and son, Mark Allen Shaffner.
Arrangements for Jack have been entrusted to the College Park Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Private services will be held for family. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to JC Body Shop or SPLASH in care of College Wesleyan Church, 200 East 38th Street, Marion, Indiana 46953, or to Leader Dogs for the Blind, 1039 South Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, Michigan 48307.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneral home.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Shaffner
Sponsored by Armes-Hunt Funeral Home & Cremation Services - College Park Chapel - Marion.
3 Entries
Kim Allen Jones
November 4, 2025
Jack was my principal when I was a student at Sweetser Elementary. He had an enormous impact on the students, especially the boys. He served as our basketball coach and was always ready to put in the extra time to make sure we were prepared. He will be missed.
Grace Briles
November 1, 2025
Jack (Mr. Shaffner) was my principal went I started my teaching career at Sweetser Elementary. I have many fond memories of my time there.
SCOTT DUBOIS
October 29, 2025
When I think about Jack some memories come immediately to my mind. First, I think there is a very strong possibility that I would not be alive today if it not for Jack. We lived northwest of Sweetser in the middle 1960´s and 1970´s and Jack and Joyce were our only neighbors living within a mile. The night I was born my mother when into convulsions. My father called Jack and came over, and he helped get my mother to the hospital. Second, I had Jack as my principal at both Sweetser and Oak Hill Junior High School. I prided myself on perfect attendance, but as an eighth grader I got sick at school. I begged Jack not to call to mother, but he calmly explained that I was sick, and I could be allowed to stay and that was that. Finally, Jack was a friend of our family for many years and I will always remember him as having a smile on his face!! This earned him the nickname of "Happy Jack" and that is the way I will remember him!
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Jack Shaffner's name
Memorial Events
for Jack Shaffner
Funeral services provided by:
Armes-Hunt Funeral Home & Cremation Services - College Park Chapel - Marion4601 South Western Ave, Marion, IN 46953
How to support Jack's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jack Shaffner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
