Harold L. "Short" Shaffer, 73, of Rockford, Ohio, died early Saturday morning, August 11, 2018, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born in Celina, Ohio, on June 30, 1945, to John William and Grayce (Gibson) Shaffer, both who have preceded in death.

He was a graduate of the Parkway Class of 1964 in Rockford, and in 1965, enlisted in the U.S. Army. On October 19, 1968, he married Patricia A. Linn, and she survives in Rockford. Short had been a rubber mill operator for Goodyear for 37 years when he retired.

He loved fishing, especially in Canada, and enjoyed hunting as well; he had an impressive collection of antique lures and rods, which he had acquired over the years.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church (Purple Door Church) in Celina, a member of Shane Aerie Lodge #1292, the Rockford American Legion, Glen D. Eckhart, Post #508, Shanes Lodge #377 F. & A.M., and the Celina Moose Lodge #1473.

Surviving in addition to his wife Pat, are 4 children: Eric Lee Shaffer, Ohio City; William Jacob (Karen) Shaffer, Englewood; Kimberly Sue (Danny) Schaffner, Rockford; and John Henry (Melissa) Shaffer, Celina; and 4 grandchildren: Taylor Schaffner, Madison Schaffner, Katelyn Shaffer, and Jacob Shaffer. Also surviving is a sister Ruth (Tom) Myers, Rockford, and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased in addition to his parents is his brother, Gale Shaffer.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church (Purple Door Church), Celina, Ohio, with Pastor Jeffery Gramza officiating. Burial will follow in Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina, Ohio. Military rites will be handled by the Celina VFW Eichar-De Curtins post #5713.

Friends may call on Friday, August 17, from 2-8 p.m. at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio, and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m., up until the time of the service at 10:30 a.m. There will be a Masonic service on Friday at 7:00 p.m., followed by a service conducted by the Rockford Eagles.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association (Mercer County Chapter) or to the Rockford Eagles.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.