If I may modify a quote from D.L. Moody just a bit, you are about to read about my death, the death of Philip R. Sheaffer (64 yoa). Don't you believe it!!  For on this day, at this moment, I am more alive than I have ever been before. This is not thanks to anything I have done, but purely by the grace of our loving God and the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Cancer may have eroded this earthly body, but it could not steal the everlasting life that God so graciously purchased for me. I have left behind a life riddled with sin, cleansed by the shed blood of Jesus Christ to leave shining forth a life that, I pray, has been a beacon to the love and mercy of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I was born February 21, 1960, in Canton, Ohio, the youngest son of the late Ray Grise Sheaffer and Patricia Joanne (Kopache) Sheaffer.

I was blessed as my first work experience was as a groundskeeper/maintenance team member at Inspiration Hills Church Camp in Wayne County.

I graduated from Marlington High School in 1978. After graduation I held several short term jobs including positions with the J.T. Nist Stark County Nursing home and the Ford Motor Company. In 1979 the Lord fulfilled a dream I had had since childhood as He opened the door for me to start a career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and become a trooper. He walked with me through a 34+ year career with the Patrol where I was blessed to work with dozens of great people. I retired in 2013.

In 2009 I married, and am survived by, Debbie (Dietz) Sheaffer, my constant reminder of God's faithfulness to me. I leave the blessings of 6 children and their spouses, (technically 2 are step-children, but hold no less a position in my heart), Daniel (Emily) Sheaffer, Scott (Nicole) Sheaffer, Mallory (Brian) Walton, Jonathan (Laura) Sheaffer, Dale (Felicia) Walk and Beth (Tyler) White. I was also graciously blessed with 17 grandchildren, with one preceding me in death, Lydia Ann Walton, and two more on the way. I am also survived by two brothers, Dennis (Vondea) Sheaffer and Michael Sheaffer, two sisters, Rebecca (Jeff) Wiles and Faith (Denny) Polen. Also preceding me in death were my brother David and sister Beverly.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to The Chapel in Marlboro, designating The Phil Sheaffer Memorial Fund. The fund will be divided between the Elliana White family and the Isaac Lewton family to help alleviate medical costs these families have faced.

Memorial service will take place at the Chapel in Marlboro, Saturday, September 28th at 11 AM. Doors open at 10 AM for friends to visit and view memory tables. Following the service, all are invited to attend a luncheon in the church.

The Chapel in Marlboro - The Phil Sheaffer Memorial Fund
PO BOX 169, Louisville OH 44641
Tel: 1-330-935-0132