Donald K. "D.K." Shafer

Donald K. (D.K.) Shafer, 85, of Portales, New Mexico – a man whose leadership, humor, faith, and unwavering commitment shaped his hometown for decades – passed away on August 15, 2025. While his absence leaves a deep void, we rejoice in knowing that D.K. is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, and that his earthly work is complete.

Mr. Shafer has been interred in the family plot in the Portales Cemetery in a private burial service. A public memorial service has been planned for 10:00 A.M., Sat., Sept. 20, 2025 in the Wheeler Mortuary Chapel with Rick Hankins officiating. Roy Woodard, Brent Woodard, Brandon Woodard, Mike Claywell, Alan Carter, Darrell Davis and Ernie Marshall have been asked to serve as honorary pallbearers.

Born December 2, 1939, in Dora, New Mexico, D.K. was the youngest of four boys to Matison and Neoma (Todd) Shafer. He grew up alongside brothers Douglas, Max, and Bobby, all of whom preceded him in death. His roots ran deep in eastern New Mexico, and his love for its people never wavered.

After graduating from Dora High School in 1958, and attending Eastern New Mexico University, D.K. began his carer as an apprentice for Arthur King of King Electric. His skill and work ethic quickly made him a respected electrician. He partnered with J.R. Tivis at Tivis Electric during the 1960' and on into the 1980's before starting his own company, Shafer Electric. Following his retirement from electrical contracting, he took on the role of Maintenance Director for the Portales School District, a position where his problem-solving skills and trademark resourcefulness made a daily difference.

D.K.'s public service to Portales spanned decades, both as a city councilman and as mayor. He was first elected as a councilman in 1972, and was elected as mayor in 1978. He served in that capacity until 1994 when he took a leave of absence. He again served as a councilman from 1996 until 2008 when he moved to Clovis. He was a fixture in local government, known for his sharp mind, his ability to see the big picture and his talent for defusing tension with a perfectly timed joke. His influence reached beyond Portales through his nearly 20 years of service to the New Mexico Municipal League, including time as its President. In every role, he sought to strengthen communities, build relationships, and make government work for the people it served.

While his accomplishments were many, it was D.K.'s humor, warmth, and ability to connect with people that made him truly unforgettable. Whether in the council chambers, on a job site, or chatting with friends over coffee, he had a way of making people feel heard – and making them laugh.

In Dora on August 21, 1960, he was married to Barbara Walker. The couple had two daughters together before later separating. On July 9, 1994 in Portales, he was married to Pam Smith. D.K. and Pam made their home in Clovis. Together with his wife, he was a member of the Twenty-First Street Church of Christ in Clovis.

He is survived by his wife, Pam of their home; a daughter and son-in-law, Kayla and Mike Claywell of Windsor, CO; and two bonus daughters and sons-in-law, Shawn and Alan Carter of Portales and Sindi and Darrell Davis of Clovis; four grandchildren, Allyson and Dylan Porteous, Elizabeth "Edie" Joritz, Andrew J. and Evie Morgan and Quaid Morgan; as well as six bonus grandchildren, Brandt and Mackenzie Davis, Brennen Davis, Bristol Davis and Brady Davis, Coby and Aubrey Carter and Chesney and Garrett Hatch; and five great-grandchildren, Jayce, Brody and Charley Porteous, Beckham Davis and Graham Hatch. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by a daughter, Shala Denee Morgan.

Donald K. (D.K.) Shafer will be remembered as a builder – of relationships, of community, and of trust – and for his gift of bringing joy to the people around him. His legacy will live on in the city he loved and the countless lives he touched.