Rev John W. Shafer, 87 of Star City, AR and Rockwall, TX went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2024. He was a faithful minister, loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Judith of 61 years, his son Scott and wife Polly, and daughter Amy and husband Craig MacDonald.
Grandchildren: Sophie and husband Kris Jones, Zoe Shafer, Austin, Conner, and Ally MacDonald. Great grandchildren: Ella, Gloriana, Jonathan, and Susanna Jones, and Henry MacDonald. Many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Dr. Cecil and Frances Shafer, and brother Jim and Alfie Shafer.

He met his loving wife while serving as an Infantry Captain in the US Army. Then he started his faith journey which led him to the ministry. He retired as Chief of Chaplains at the VA Hospital in Charleston, SC. Still compelled to spread the word, he went back to his roots in the Arkansas United Methodist Church where he would lovingly be referred to as Brother John. He served many churches across Southern Arkansas as a pastor and District Superintendent before retiring in the early 2000’s. He will always be remembered for his love of Christ that showed in everything that he did. “And the grass whither and the flower fade, but God’s word lives on.“ 

Memorial service will be held on Sunday April 28, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Brazzel Oakcrest Chapel. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite mission or veteran organization.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brazzel Oakcrest the Funeral Home of Hope. Online condolences can be made at www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com