Rodger Leroy Sheffer, Sr.

Rodger Sheffer, a celebrated 27-year veteran of the USAF and native/resident of Hagerstown Maryland passed away peacefully from natural causes, while surrounded by his family on June 29th, 2024. Rodger was born on July 16th, 1933, and grew up in Hagerstown, leaving school at a young age to support his family. He held many jobs before eventually joining the Air Force in 1953. He served in the US, Germany, Thailand, and Vietnam until his retirement in 1981, as a SMSGT at McConnell Air Force Base Logistics/Transportation Wing. 

Rodger married Constance (Connie) Burkett on June 21st,1957 and over the next four years, had a daughter, Melanie, and son, Rodger Jr. Ever setting a quiet example for his children, Rodger would go back to night school, achieving the High School diploma he had been forced to abandon earlier in his life.

Rodger would lose Connie in 2001, and then through the church would find and marry Ruby Rudisill in 2002. Rodger and Ruby would be active members of the Grace Methodist Church in Hagerstown, leading several outreach programs and small groups. Once again, Rodger quietly demonstrated his faith and kindness - in deeds - not words. Rodger lost Ruby in 2021, and focused his remaining days with the church, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren. 

Rodger is survived by his brother Dale, children Melanie Elliott (husband Greig), and Rodger Jr.; step-son John Rudisill, Jr. (Billy - and his wife Joy) grandchildren Hunter Elliott (and wife, Amanda), Brittney Elliott (and fiancé Ron Dame), Katy Ondeck (husband Scott), Elizabeth Revell & Kara Rudisill (husband Kent Bare), and great grandchildren Faelynn, Loganne, Freya, Violet, Madison, Watson, and Isaiah. 

Lastly, Rodger was a devoted Ravens and Orioles fan, in fact, the last thing he did with his family was to watch the Orioles beat the Rangers Saturday night. Go O’s.

The family will receive friends from 2-4pm and 7-9 pm on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Bast Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike, Boonsboro, MD.

A commemoration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday July 6 at the Grace United Methodist Church, Church & Winter St. - Hagerstown. 

Interment to follow at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery.