Dr. Shafer was born January 18, 1925, in Ansonia, Ohio to the late Ernest & Thelma (Beam) Shafer. In addition to his parents, Dr. Shafer was also preceded in death by a grandson, Daniel Ernest Shafer; brothers, Paul, Ivan, Harry and David Ernest Shafer in infancy.
Dr. Shafer is survived by his wife of 68 years, Martha J. (Kalter) Shafer whom he married December 26, 1949; children, Gayle & Lew Prine of Springfield, Alan D. Shafer Jr. of St. Paris, Peter & Kathy Shafer of Kettering and Tim & Lisa Shafer of Oakwood; grandchildren, Becky & Alex Sennet, Luke Shafer, Logan Shafer and Nick Shafer; great-grandchild, Dawson Sennet; step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; sister & brother-in-law, Patricia & Jacques O’Hara of Peebles; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Dr. Shafer served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force during WWII. Dr. Shafer practiced Pediatric Surgery from 1957 to 1991 in the Dayton Area. He was instrumental in the establishment of The Dayton Children’s Medical Center. He served there at different times as Director of Surgery, Chief of Staff and the surgical suite is named in his honor. Dayton Children’s established an award which was renamed in 2013, the Alan D. Shafer M.D. Distinguished Service Award, to honor his significant support and contributions. Dr. Shafer was an avid member of the Christian Medical Society. He enjoyed living on the farm, music, fishing and staying at his cabin in Minnesota.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home in Versailles. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday at Greenlawn Cemetery in Versailles. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Fairhaven Church 637 East Whipp Rd. Centerville, OH followed by a gathering of family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Shafer’s memory to Dayton Children’s Hospital, Attn: Foundation, One Children’s Plaza Dayton, OH 45404-1815. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
