Robert "Bobby" L. Shafer age 78 of Garrett, IN passed away Tuesday, November 13, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Bobby was born August 26, 1947 in Garrett, IN to Maurice "Moorie" E. and Nelda N. (Kees) Shafer. Bobby was a conductor on the B & O and CSX Railroads for 50 years, retiring in 2021.

He married Deanna M. Nelson on July 1, 2002 in Gatlinburg, TN

Bobby was a United States Army veteran – serving in the 1st Calvary during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Garrett American Legion Post #178 and the Garrett Eagles.

Bobby is survived by his wife: Deanna M. Shafer, Garrett, IN; daughters: Kacy (Steve) Desmond, Ft. Wayne, IN; Melissa Nelson, Hamilton, IN; Amy Baker, Garrett, IN; son: Zak (Tammy Morris) Shafer, Auburn, IN; brother: Dave Shafer, Ft. Wayne, IN; sisters: Linda Nance Placencia, Phoenix, AZ; Mary Shafer, Ft. Wayne, IN; 12 grandchildren: Connor Desmond, Adam Shafer, Noah Shafer, Molly Shafer, Sophia Shafer, Brandon Shirk, Scott Shirk, Jarod Shirk, Kayleigh Mann, Daniel Baker, Drake Baker and Brayden Baker; 4 great grandchildren: Olive Shafer, Shelby Shirk, Freya Shirk and Oakley Shirk.

Visitation will take place from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Thomas Funeral Home,1277 C.R. 56, Garrett, IN.

Military honors by the United States Army and the Garrett and Auburn American Legion posts will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday at Thomas Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will take place from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, November 23, 2025 at the Garrett Eagles.

DeKalb County Humane Shelter