Arden G. Shaffner

Arden G. Shaffner, 78, of Annapolis, IL, died October 18, 2020, at Newton Care Center in Newton, IL. He was born December 7, 1941, in Annapolis, IL, the son of Lavaughn & Verlie (Lingafelter) Shaffner, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Ansel Buckner; and by his sister, Joan Nichols. He married Diana Smith on November 22, 1964, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons, Terry Shaffner (Oblong, IL) and Eric & wife Kimberly Shaffner (Annapolis, IL); by his granddaughter, MaKayla Shaffner (Robinson, IL); by his step-grandchildren, Amy & husband Brandon Shindler (Jacksonville, FL) and Joshua Woodward (Indianapolis, IN); by his step-great-grandchildren, Ava and Jemma Shindler; by his nephew, Michael Flynn (Robinson, IL); and by his niece, Carla & husband Walter Waddle (McKenzie, TN). Arden grew up in the Annapolis area, where he learned the value of hard, honest work by tending to his family's sheep, a business they had been invested in for generations. Over the course of his life, he made a name for himself showing sheep all across the United States with some of the best sheep dogs in the country. He was even the director of the Dorset Sheep Association for a time. His capacity for work was truly the stuff of legend, and so it came to no surprise that, upon "retiring" from the farm in 1990, he got on with Case IH in Casey, where he'd work until finally calling it quits in 2008. Never one to let dust settle, this season of Arden's life often found him in his wood shop, where he made countless treasures that his loved ones will cherish for years to come. They could all attest to the man's love of deer hunting and of sport, especially Cardinal's baseball or University of Illinois athletics, (the latter of which was often a source of great frustration in his life!) His family and friends could also speak to the man's strong will, which he earned over a lifetime of lessons learned. Arden Shaffner was, in short, "old school", in that he worked hard and lived with profound honesty and integrity. The rectitude with which he lived pointed to the faith which filled his 78 years. A lifelong member and former elder at Pleasant Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church, we are thankful that Arden knew his Shepherd and the eternal life that only He can provide. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO COVID-19 MANDATES PASSED BY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, SOCIAL DISTANCING MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE, AND IT WILL BE REQUIRED THAT ALL ATTENDEES WEAR FACE COVERINGS. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24th at the funeral home with Pastor Billie Ray Ulrey and Dick Reese officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery (rural Annapolis). Memorial contributions may be made to "Alzheimer's Association", with envelopes available at the funeral home.