Richard Lee Shaffer passed away on April 21, 2025, at the East Morgan County Hospital in Brush, Colorado. He was born on January 15, 1948, in Denver Colorado, to Roy Irvin Shaffer and Edna Robenia Strole. Richard was the youngest of fourteen children.
Richard mostly grew up in Yuma, Colorado graduating with the Class of 1966. He enlisted in the United States Army in March 1967, following in his brother Roy’s footsteps. Richard and Cheryl McCasland were wed on February 21, 1967, and to this union their first child, Richard (Rick) Shaffer Jr was born on April 19, 1968. Shortly after, the Army transferred Richard to Germany, and the young couple packed up their lives & newborn son and relocated overseas. After spending several years in the military, Richard brought his family back state side and was discharged. They settled in Yuma and welcomed their daughter, Nadja Christine, into the family on December 23, 1970.
Richard later married Donna Dilka on November 5, 1976, and added twins Nichole Lynn and Nickolas Lane on June 21, 1978, making Father’s Day that year very memorable. Twins had not been detected until Nichole made her grand entrance, and the doctors stated that another baby was on the way.
While Rich lived in Yuma, he was employed at Stickney’s, Coast to Coast, and as a self-employed mechanic. Rich completed training to be a jailer for Yuma County and later transferred to the Sterling Correctional Facility. He worked there while it was finished being constructed, and for several years following. Eventually, his love for home renovation projects led him to fulfill employment at Home Depot.
On December 24th, 2009, Richard married his soulmate, Patricia (Pat) Rae Christman, in Sterling Colorado. The couple resided in Sterling for several years, until eventually relocating to Tucson Arizona. During their time in the Grand Canyon State, Richard drove the shuttle between Tucson and the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
In 2020, Richard & Pat spent a few months looking to relocate and trying to find the perfect home. They settled in Sutherland, Nebraska, as they fell in love with the quaint town and lake. Richard became a driver for the railroad and delivered crews to several locations across hundreds of miles of tracks. Little did the couple know that God was planting them in the Sutherland community for a reason. It wasn’t long until they found themselves emersed in the First Presbyterian Church, where they found a wonderful and loving church family, and Pat was baptized.
Throughout the years Richard was passionate about attending his kids and grandkids events including sports, 4-H, and livestock shows. He took up photography and gladly gave pictures to all the kids that he captured in his photos. Richard served as a volunteer in the Yuma Fire Department for over a decade. He served on the Color Guard and proudly carried the flag for the home football games, parades, and funerals. He also competed in the men’s league in bowling and brought home many trophies.
One of Rich’s biggest passions, and something he passed onto his children, was his love of the outdoors. Many weekends were spent in the summer months at the treasured Bonny Dam; camping, fishing, skiing, tubing and just plain having a grand time. Of course, no one could out-fish Richard.
Richard was proceeded in death by his parents, thirteen half-siblings and their spouses, his beloved wife, Pat, his granddaughter Cadence Shaffer, and daughter Nadja Young.
Those left to mourn the passing of Richard are his children Rick Shaffer of Dallas TX, Nichole Shaffer of Dundalk, MD, Nickolas Shaffer of Yuma CO, April (Mark) Nelson of Altus, OK, step-children; Kim Dilka-Harman (William) of Akron CO, Rob Gladwin of Denver, CO and Donna Gladwin Eagar of Tucson, AZ, Son-in-law Allen Young of Dallas, TX, brother Roy Shaffer Jr. of Tucson, AZ. Grandchildren: Stephen Shaffer, Kelsey Peterson, Taea Young, Melanie Young, Ryder Shaffer, Landen Shaffer, Dawson Shaffer, Trey Tate, Lacie Harman, Wyatt (Chelsea) Harman. Great Grandchildren: Carson, Cohen, Emery, & Carter Peterson, Michelle Burford, Paisley Tate & Macie Harman. As well as dozens of nieces & nephews.
Funeral Services are May 16th, 2025, at the Community of Christ Church, in Yuma, Colorado at 2 p.m. Officiated by Elder Mitch Korf. Interment is at the Otis Cemetery. Funeral arrangements provided by Baucke Funeral Home, Yuma, Colorado.