Byron L. Shafer, 77, formerly of Piqua, more recently of The Villages, Florida, died at 4:10 am Sunday November 30, 2014 at Villages Regional Hospital, Florida. He was born September 28, 1937 in Piqua to the late Clarence L. Shafer and Mary (Ganger) Curtis. He married Marlene A. Ely March 27, 1974 at the Union Baptist Church of Miami County; and she survives. Other survivors include a brother Joe (Shirley) Shafer of Marion; five nieces and nephews, Carla (Paul) Priddy, Martin (Pam) Shafer, Mike (Kathy) Shafer, Steve (Ardene) Shafer, and Becky (William) Hancock. He was preceded in death by his step-father, John Curtis, and two brothers, Dick Shafer, and Bruce Shafer. Mr. Sharfer was a graduate of Piqua Central High School and Miami University having earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Certified Public Accountant designation. He retired as the Credit Manager from Hartzell Industries following twenty-seven years of employment. Additionally, he earned his education in theology and served as Pastor of the Myrtle Tree Baptist Church of St. Paris and many other churches across the Country. He was a former member of the Piqua Baptist Church and currently worshiped with the New Covenant Methodist Church. He enjoyed singing in the choir as well as teaching Bible Study and Sunday School. A service to honor his life will begin at 10 a.m., Friday December 5, 2014 at the Piqua Baptist Church with Rev. Edward Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Fletcher Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., Thursday at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to one’s favorite charity.
