Earl "Casey" Shaffer Jr.

Earl H. “Casey” Shaffer Jr., 82, of Ephrata, and formerly of Newberry Twp., transitioned on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, on his mother’s birthday, at Well Span York Hospital, York. Casey, aka Mr. Shaffer in his role as teacher, and Tatters, a locally known and loved clown, lived a gentle, unassuming, and unselfish life with his wife in Shaffer’s Old House, Newberry Township for 40 years. The love of the land and craftsmanship, kept him busy gardening, repairing, and making life wonderful for his wife and family. He was a supportive and caring husband spending memorable times with his wife enjoying their home especially Jane’s Jazz Emporium where music, laughter and peace provided togetherness on their screened in porch. The octagonal pool deck designed, and hand crafted around a tree, the extensive renovation of their 1756 farmhouse and his collections of beer steins, clown memorabilia and books on the Civil War gave a glimpse into his endless, creative energy. Shaffer’s Old House was the setting for family weddings, reunions, and innumerable swimming parties/cookouts with his family. He joked that he was the pool guy as he rarely if ever got in the pool but made sure it was pristine for his family. His devotion to his children and grandchildren was evidenced by his thoughtful gifts, tireless work, and willingness to sacrifice his own comfort to make sure they were well cared for and always loved.

Casey attended Millersville University, earning a BA in Industrial Arts and an MS in Special Education. He retired as an Industrial Arts/Special Education Teacher from the West Shore School District. Upon retirement he started Casey Shaffer’s Woodworks which took him to local and regional art shows, selling his wooden creations and furniture, while his wife continued her gifts as tole painter. He created and repaired, and she decorated. They made a great team. That team soon took an interesting turn towards clowning, just another form of education. Tatters and his wife Tootsie entertained many children at local Bible schools and community events. If that didn’t keep him busy enough, he joined the Tall Cedars White Rose Clowns (Zeredatha-White Rose Lodge No. 451) and acted as Chief Clown and Chaplain. He won numerous awards as a Hobo clown at the Mid Atlantic Clown Association convention in New Jersey. A 32nd degree Mason of the Valley of Harrisburg and member of the High 12 Club, gave him the opportunity to continue to clown and make a difference in the lives of many at masonic sponsored events. He belonged to the Zembo Shrine and acted as a Shepherd, driving children to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. He was a member of Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg and was elected a ruling elder and served as a Superintendent of Sunday School. He could be found, early on Sunday mornings, awaiting the arrival of his grandchildren and all the children of the church. He was always an unselfish and good man! In his later years, he and his wife relocated to Keystone Villa in Ephrata to be closer to their daughter Lisa. He found his way by continuing to clown and dress up for all occasions. As his sight began to fail, he found it more difficult to participate in group activities but continued to support his wife as pianist for the pub and seeing his granddaughter, Alle, grow into an independent young woman. Near the end of his life, his youngest daughter, Rebecca spent hours by his side, comforting and supporting not only him but her mom.

Born on September 12, 1939, in Huntingdon, he was the son of the late Earl H. and Catherine (Runk) Shaffer and was also preceeded in death by a nephew, Todd.

Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Jane G. (Juarez) Shaffer of Ephrata, PA ; sons and daughters, Lisa Steffen (David) of Lititz, PA, Earl H. “Casey” Shaffer III (Patricia) of Lebanon, IL, David Shaffer (Megumi) of Odenton, MD, Maureen Juarez (Chris) of Lewes, DE, Rebecca Moyer (Bill) of Fredericksburg, VA, six grandchildren, Erin (Bobby), Megan (A.J.), James, Andrew (Melissa), Cameron, , Chandler and Allegra; four great grandchildren, Ronan, Miles, Owen and Olivia; a sister, Cathie Bower of Hatboro, a niece, Tammy (Scott) and nephew Terry (Renee), a sister in law, Marcia Sites, and cousins, Gretchen and Glenn (Peggy) who maintained contact throughout his life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, Attn: Finance and/or Market Square Presbyterian Church, Children and Youth Programs, 20 S. Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Graveside services will be held in Rolling Green Cemetery, Lower Allen Twp. on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 2 p.m. His life will be honored on his birthday.