Randy Alan Shafer

Randy Alan Shafer, 60, of Mechanicsburg, passed away at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri on October 26, 2024. He was born on February 6, 1964, in Elmhurst, Illinois, the son of Gordon R. and E. Marie (Scott) Shafer. He married Deborah (Chalcraft) Garner on July 10, 1992.

Survivors include his wife, Debbie; his mother, Marie Shafer; his stepdaughters, Valerie (David) Savage; Shannon (Brandon) Kates; his stepson, Nathan Garner; his daughter, Alexandra (Drake) Albanese; his grandchildren, Gabriel Garner, Jaxson, and Riley Kates; and many other beloved family members and friends.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Gordon Shafer; his sister, Diane VanDewalle; and his brother, Michael Shafer.

Growing up, Randy moved often due to his father Gordon’s role as a church pastor. He attended Woodstock High School and graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics. Randy spent many years as an aviation maintenance technician before joining the Federal Aviation Administration in April of 2006. He was highly respected by his co-workers and bosses because of his expertise and knowledge of all matters related to aviation.

Randy loved the outdoors and many activities such as boating, camping, target shooting, hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle, especially with his brother, Mike and nephew, Sam.

He was loved by many because of his generous nature and wit. He was a firearm enthusiast and enjoyed teaching firearm safety and concealed carry classes. He also loved his beloved Bears football team and watching Dale Earnhardt race the number 3 car.

Randy’s greatest pride was his family. Randy’s life instantly changed with his marriage to Debbie, including an instant family of three kids that he took in as his own. He later had a daughter of his own, which was his greatest wish. He was incredibly involved in his children’s activities and pushed them to excel. He was immensely proud of all four of his children’s accomplishments and being an integral part of guiding them to be the kind, compassionate adults they are today.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following the visitation.

Memorial contributions to the American Lung Association can be made in lieu of flowers.