Thomas Shaffer

Thomas Albert “Tom” Shaffer, 82, former Thermopolis resident, died Friday, August 14, 2015, in Riverton, Wyo. after a period of declining health.

 Born June 28, 1933, in Thermopolis, he was the son of Roy and Irene (Meahl) Shaffer. After graduating from Thermopolis High School he attended college in Apine, Texas.

In 1953 he joined the US Air Force serving 18 months in Germany flying B-25’s.

Following his discharge he attended the University of Wyoming acquiring a degree in Animal Science. He worked on a ranch in the Sheridan area, then the Basin Ranch. In 1967 Tom was employed by the Wyoming Recreation Commission in Cheyenne. He then was a ranch manager in McFadden, Wyo. in 1979. Returning to Thermopolis in 1983, he became the Hot Springs County Museum Director. In 1992 he accepted the position of County Planner, retiring in 1996.

On November 20, 1965, he married English born Eileen Naylor in Sheridan, Wyo.

Following Tom’s retirement the couple volunteered at the ranger station at Wapiti for a few years.

A member of the First Baptist Church, Tom enjoyed Western history, traveling, photography, writing, camping, hunting and woodworking.  He co-authored “Wyoming, A Guide to Historical Sites” and “Independence Rock” and authored over 20 research studies on parks and historical sites.  He was a Buick man and was never late for meetings.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years; daughter, Leslie (Doug) Shinaver of Virginia; son, Chad (Kelly) of Riverton; sister, Peggy Burnap of Arizona; 4 grandsons; and 1 granddaughter. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; son, Wade Thomas Shaffer; and brother, Bert Shaffer.

 Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at 11 a.m., at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Harvey Seidel officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Mortimore Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online remembrances may be expressed at http://www.mortfh.com