John F. Shafer

John F. Shafer, age 89, of Wilkesville, passed away Monday, October 5, 2026, at Jenkins Care Community in Wellston. He was born May 13, 1937 in Hamden, Ohio, son of the late Rev. Vernon C. Shafer and Mildred Brooks Shafer. John graduated from Wellston High School with the class of 1954 and was a veteran of the United States Army. In his younger years, John worked at his family-owned and operated business, S&S Furniture in Hamden. He then went to work for the Tennessee gas pipeline and was employed with Tenneco Co. for almost 40 years prior to his retirement. In his spare time, John enjoyed being outdoors hunting, especially deer and rabbit, going fishing, and mushroom hunting. He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Lackey and Darla Hager (TJ); grandchildren, Jordan Lackey (Sabrina Adkins), Justin Lackey, Devon Fogel (Ashley), Christen Wolf, John M. Shafer, Andrew Parker Shafer (Kayla Morgan) and Mariah Shough (Tyler Brown); sister, Phyllis Perry, along with several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Pearlie Sue Gambill Shafer; son, John Michael Shafer; son-in-law, Mike Lackey; brother, Charles Shafer; and sisters, Louise Shafer, Margie Shafer and Marcella Harris. In keeping with John’s wishes, cremation followed his passing. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory can be given to the Jackson County Dog Pound, P.O. Box 606, Jackson, Ohio 45640. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.