Albert Vernon Shafer

Albert Vernon Shafer, 88, went to be with the Lord on September 4, 2009, at the College View Center in Frederick Maryland.


Born on April 21, 1921 in Middletown, Maryland, he was the fourth of nine children born of the late Joseph and Effie (Wiles) Shafer.


Mr. Shafer worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  He served in Europe during WW II until he was wounded in action.  He was the proud recipient of the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.


Following his Military service, Albert pursued a career as a carpenter.  He retired in 1986 after 41 years of service with Clarence W. Gosnell, Inc. in Vienna, Virginia.


He was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church of Middletown, and a life member of the Middletown Amvet's Valley Memorial Post #9 .


Mr. Shafer was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, holding a season ticket until the team relocated to FedEx Field.


Albert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rachel (Palmer) Shafer; one son, Albert Lynn Shafer; one stepdaughter, Nancy Palmer Detrow, her husband Donald, and their family - Dawn Thomas, husband Mikel and children Brandi and Mikey; Keith Detrow, wife Mendy and  sons Bryan and Matthew; and Katie Peck, husband Tim and daughter Janelle.  He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Zeigler and Irene Eisnetrout and her husband William.


Mr. Shafer was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Lee Warner; three brothers, Earl, Glenn and Charles Shafer; and three sisters, Pauline Eichenbrode, Catherine Shoemaker, and Louise Tyerer.


Albert will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and especially the Sunday morning group at L.D.S. in Middletown.


Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at the Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, Maryland.  Rev. Kathy Vitalis Hoffman will officiate.  Interment will follow at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Middletown.


Friends are invited to visit at the funeral home beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2009, where the family will receive friends from 6 - 8 p.m.


Memorial Donations are requested to Zion Lutheran Church, 107 West Main Street, Middletown, Maryland, 21769; the Middletown Volunteer Fire Company #7, Post Office Box 322, Middletown, Maryland, 21769; or the Amvet's Valley Memorial Post #9, 408 West Green Street, Middletown, Maryland, 21769.