Richard Allen Shafer, 69, of Dunbar, WV passed away on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 due to complications from pneumonia while a patient of Sanctuary of The Ohio Valley, Ironton, OH.

He was born to Paul and Georgia Shafer on September 30, 1955.

Rick was a member of the 50th graduating class of Dunbar High graduating in 1973.  He was a proud United States Air Force veteran having served from 1975-1995. Rick was a long haul truck driver driving throughout the US for 12 years before returning to West Virginia as local delivery driver.  After he was done with driving, he managed a few local businesses before retiring in 2013 due to a disability. For many years, Rick enjoyed showing and winning prizes with muscle cars.  His last being a 1974 plum crazy purple Plymouth Duster.  Rick was a former member of Dunbar First Baptist Church and a current member of Cross Lanes Baptist Church.

He had been in several nursing facilities in the past four years after suffering ten strokes within two years starting in the fall of 2019.  Rick's recent life centered around the here and now.  His memory would sometimes reward him when he had visitors.  Rick was very much a people person.  He knew everyone's name and would always remember it.  It caused them to share his existence that healed the longing to return home.  He never lost that part that gave him joy.  Rick was in a wheelchair away from family, friends, and pets.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Shafer, in 2006.

Left behind are his wife, Linda Legg Shafer; mother, Georgia Shafer of Dunbar; brother, Randy (Susie) of Martinsburg, WV; niece, Kacy Harmon (Andrew) of Kearneysville, WV; great-nephew, Berkeley Harmon; stepson, Jonathan Boyd of Dunbar; step-granddaughters, Breeley Boyd and Addie Spears of Milton, WV; stepsons, Steve McCord of Falling Waters, WV and Charles McCord (Molly) of Frostburg, MD; step-grandchildren, Kyra McCord of Land O Lakes, FL, Gwen and Cooper McCord of Frostburg, MD; along with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Per Rick's wishes there will be no services.

His ashes will be buried near his dad at the Rocky Branch Cemetery in Walton, WV Roane County with family saying goodbyes to their loved one in a private service.

Remember Rick the next time you hear "How Great Thou Art" which was his favorite hymn.  As he sang this song, he was truly giving his amazing voice to the God he loved.

His final wish was granted to reunite with his dad and the God he loved.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralho