Kenneth R. Shafer

Kenneth R. Shafer went home to his Lord and Maker on December 6, 2017. He was born May 26, 1944 to Harold and Laura Shafer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana where he met the forever love of his life, Judith Anne Martin. Driven by a spirit to help others in need, Ken became a public school teacher and accepted his first teaching assignment in the Detroit Public School system shortly after the 1967 riots. He suffered silently from multiple sclerosis throughout his teaching career. After 34 years, Ken retired from teaching through the Utica Community School District and moved with his wife, Judy, to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. He became extremely active in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society participating in numerous fund raising activities in Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina and West Virginia. He traveled often to Washington DC and Richmond, Virginia seeking the adoption of both state and federal legislation to provide services to those suffering from MS as well as address the high costs of health care and prescription medication. However it was the MS Support Groups that he loved the most where he could meet new people suffering from MS and try to give hope and encouragement. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Laura, and his brother, Edward. He is survived by his wife, Judy, his son Bradley (Lisa), his daughter, Kathryn, and his grandchildren, Ryan (Merilee), Regan, and Michael. He is also survived by his brothers, Harold “Alf” (Myrna) and Gerald “Chub” (Rosemary) and many beloved nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Monday, December 11, at 10am at Christ Community Church 14900 Old Franklin Turnpike, Penhook, Virginia. Friends are encouraged to make donations in Ken’s honor to the National MS Society or American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.