Willis Sherwood Shafer entered into glory on November 11, 2021 with family by his side. He was born May 6, 1933, in Ledyard, CT to Herbert and Marion (Watrous) Shafer, Sr. Willis worked with his father and brother, Junior in the family business of carpentry and school bus transportation until enlisting in the US Coast Guard in which he served from 1952-1960.
Willis married Beverly Maynard (Davis) in 1953 and to both was born Raymond Alan, the pride of both of their lives. The marriage dissolved, but their shared love for Raymond did not.
Willis met Lillian (Kuusela) Allen in 1965 and they blended their families as one until his death. They together raised his, hers and their children on a beautiful farm in Scotland, enjoyed by many friends and family. The home was always a refuge for those needing rest and a listening ear.
Willis worked for the Knox Family Farm in Stonington, Soneco Concrete Masonry, but retired from his profession as mail contractor with the United States Postal Service. As a family they participated with draft horses, Mark & Luke, in Columbia’s 4th of July parades for many years.
He was predeceased by his parents, brother Herbert, sister-in-law Priscilla, brother-in-laws, Francis Hickey II and John Fleming, grandson Andrew Raymond, sister-in-law Josephine Spellmon, son-in-law Bruce Barlow, son Bill Allen and his prized horse, “Thunder!” He leaves his aunt Verna McCall of Oakdale, sister Dawn Fleming (Chuck;) brother-in-law William Kuusela, brother-in-law Peter Spellmon. His greatest legacy were his son Raymond (Debra) Shafer, grandchildren; Jennifer, Tim, and Casey; daughter, Lori Allen Barlow, grandchildren; Joshua, Sarah, Faith and Matthew; daughter-in-law, Jude Allen, grandchildren, Crystal, Clinton, Cassidy and Melissa; son, Paul (Karen) Shafer, grandchildren Rachel and Nash; daughter, Heather (Doug) O’Connor and grandchildren Danielle, Justin and Janna; son, Jeffrey Shafer and grandchildren, Moriah and Rebecca. He leaves seventeen great grandchildren, a great great grandson, many nieces and nephews and church family from Christian Life Assembly, Willimantic, CT.
A service will follow at a later date at the convenience of the family.
