David Shafer

David Bruce Shafer, 65 of Higginsville, Missouri tragically passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, when he helped his wife out of their burning home and went to save his mother. He was born on Wednesday, April 8, 1959, in Lexington, Missouri to William "Bill" Shafer Jr. and Josephine “Jo” (Robertson) Shafer. David was a graduate of Lafayette Co. C-1, class of 1977. On March 23, 1984, he married Deanna (Foster) Shafer. Together they had three children. In 1979, David started working at Carl & Bob’s Car Repair as a car mechanic. After 10 years of working there in 1989, he bought the business and he and Deanna opened Shafer’s Car Care. David had spent 46 years as a mechanic and an owner for 36 years. David was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. In his free time, David loved to follow in his father’s footsteps with his great skill at bowling. You could often find him at the Higginsville Lanes Bowling Alley. David was passionate about league bowling and keeping the youth involved with bowling leagues. David also enjoyed a great game of softball. When he wasn’t playing a sport or working on cars, he was known to build things in the backyard for his children and later his grandchildren. He was affectionately called “Papa” by his grandchildren. He loved to take his family camping and to the beach. David’s great skills, passion for helping and assisting others, and dedication to serving the community with whatever they may need is going to be missed dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents; Bill and Jo Shafer. Surviving are his wife, Deanna Shafer; daughters, Samantha (Ernie) Tibai, Glenna (Garrat) Wilson; son, Ryan (Jennifer) Shafer; sisters, Sheri (Randy) Lovercamp and Pam (Robert) Gillilan; his grandchildren, Wesley (Ariana) Tibai, Emmit Tibai, Anderson Tibai, Wrenly Shafer, Kaden Wilson (Brooke Young), and Gillian (Carson) Blackburn; great-grandchildren, Denver Wilson, Warren Blackburn and Lyla Blackburn. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Higginsville from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 17, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Liz Lindsey officiating. A Celebration of Life Social with refreshments and drinks will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Higginsville American Legion Hall. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers, may be made out to the Higginsville Youth Bowling League, or Richmond Humane Society, or Children’s Mercy Hospital - Autism Clinic.

David Shafer

April 8, 1959 - March 11, 2025