Barry Joseph Shaffer Sr.
L&G
Lewis & Gillum Funeral Homes
28 Harding Ave., Jackson, Ohio 45640
(e) lewisgillumfh@gmail.com
(p) 740-286-2010
(w) www.lewisgillum.com
On Thursday, August 27, 2020, at 3:40 PM, Barry Joseph Shaffer Sr. age 68, passed away, leaving this world after another hard-fought medical battle. He slipped away peacefully at OSU Medical Center, flanked on both sides of his bed by loved ones. To say that he had suffered these last two weeks is truly an understatement.
While we grieve his loss, we celebrate his ascension to his Heavenly Home, where he is now surrounded by many loved ones and friends. Most importantly, we know he is now in the arms of his Jesus, whom he loved with every fiber of his being.
Barry was born on November 11, 1951 to Donald Shaffer Sr. and Patricia (Ziemski) Shaffer. He graduated from Jackson High School, class of 1969 and was the senior class president. He was a very good athlete, excelling in both football and track. Following his graduation from high school, he graduated from Franklin University, class of 1974.
Barry was a veteran of the United States Army reserves, Vietnam Era, where he was a squadron commander and Captain of the Civil Air Patrol.
He was always a very hard worker and that work took his family to many different cities and states. His last position was as president and CEO to The Ohio Health Group in Columbus, Ohio.
Barry lived his life fairly and ethically, always trying to do the right thing by everyone and caring about the needs of others. He was by all accounts, a very good man. He attended the Columbus Bible Church where he made many lifelong friends whom he loved deeply. His pastor David Reid and his wife Stephanie were especially dear to him. Barry was a devout Christian man, of strong conviction and unshakable faith. He never wavered in his belief and sought to be a “catcher of men” for Jesus, hoping to spread the Word so that others might be saved.
Being a father to “his boys” was one of Barry’s greatest joys. He loved his two sons more than life itself and was always coaching something when they were younger. He spoke of them and their many accomplishments with love and pride but was most proud of the fact that they too, are Christians which gave him endless peace. He was equally proud of his much-loved grandchildren and was always showing off his latest pictures.
Barry is survived by his sons Barry (Sherilyn) Shaffer Jr. of Glendale, Arizona and Jef Shaffer of Pataskala, Ohio; grandchildren Kyle Shaffer of Phoenix, Arizona and Zoe and Skyler Shaffer of Pataskala, Ohio. He is also survived by sisters Deanna (Mike) Stroth and Catherine Gillum, whom he called Bird, both of Jackson, Ohio and by his most precious friend, Anne Klie, of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Brenda Deck Moore, and the following nephews and niece: Doug Figlestahler, Craig Figlestahler, Lea Gillum McCallister, Joshua Gillum and David Gillum.
Barry was predeceased by his beloved parents, his brother Donald W. Shaffer, Jr., brother-in-law Michael Gillum, and niece Laura Figlestahler.
Friends and family may call Thursday, September 3, 2020 from 3-6 PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. Funeral services will immediately follow at 6:00 PM with Pastor David Reid officiating. Burial will follow at a later date to the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, we are certain Barry would request you vote for Donald Trump on Nov. 3, 2020. Seriously, in lieu of flowers, please make any contributions to The Columbus Bible Church, c/o pastor David Reid. columbusbiblechurch@yahoogroups.com (614-270-8648). Per CDC guidelines and governor recommendations, everyone is asked to wear a mask while indoors and practice proper social distancing procedures and guidelines. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.