Troy David Shafer
February 21, 2016
Troy David Shafer passed away on February 21, 2016, and went to be with Jesus. Troy was born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 7, 1962, to David and Jackie Shafer. He grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Saydel High School in 1981, where he met his high school sweetheart and wife, Karen.
Troy was a loving, generous, hardworking and passionate man who cared deeply for his family and friends. In his many roles of husband, father, son, brother, friend, coach and businessman, he never failed to give his very best, and taught his kids to do the same. You could always count on Troy's honesty, he would tell it like it is. He was a fun-lover and thrill-seeker, whether riding his motorcycle or drag racing. He showed tremendous strength and bravery through all things. Troy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Troy is survived by his wife, Karen; children, Chelsea (Brent) Schuele, Allie (Adam) White, Zac, Austin, and Micheal; grandchildren, Benjamin and Zion; mother, Jackie; sister, Kim (Drew) Waddell, and their children, Skyler, Bree, and Demique; cousins, Lorrie Steele and Donnie Steele; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, David Shafer; aunt, Judy Stock; and grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at Capitol City Church, 5990 NE 14th Street in Des Moines, with burial to follow at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening at the church from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be received by the family and later directed to a trust fund for Troy’s three sons.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tammy Pettis-Braun
06/19/2016
Mrs. Shafer- I am so very sorry to learn of Troy's death. He and I had been emailing back and forth after Dave's death, often discussing his treatment and how it was going. We even discussed you, he and your brood coming out to the farm in Maine this summer. I received an email from Troy the middle of January and didn't respond until February 2nd. I never heard back from him. While speaking with Jerry Campbell today- I asked how Troy was doing with the racing this year, Jerry let me know he had passed. You have a beautiful family. I adored Troy and Dave- both providing great comfort and support while I went through my own cancer battle. If you EVER find yourself on the East Coast- come stay with my husband and I for a visit. Your kids would enjoy all the farm has to offer and you, the tranquility of the river and Maine atmosphere. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find the strength you need and know that those two beautiful souls are always looking down on you with love.
Vickie Noble
06/05/2016
Karen, I'm so sorry, I just recently found out last week, hugs & prayers for your family & especially to Troy''s Mother Jackie and Kim. I'm totally in shock. I'm going to miss Troy. If any of you need anything please don't hesitate to give me a call. I left you all up in prayers. GOD Bless you all.
Kelly Wesley
02/23/2016
Karen and Family, we are so sorry for your loss of Troy. I've known you for 30 yrs plus and you & Troy have a special relationship! Your family is a beautiful extension of you two and is such a blessing. Troy was such a nice man and he will be missed by many. You should all be proud to call him husband & father. May your precious memories fill all your hearts with a never ending joy & love. God Bless.
Larry and Alice Woods
02/23/2016
Karen and Family, we are so sorry for you loss. Their are really no words to say that will ease you pain. You will be in our thoughts and prayers as Troy was. Our deepest condolences. Love Larry and Alice
Kevin Schneider
02/23/2016
Karen I am so sorry for your loss and wish I was able to attend. I am out of state and wont make it back in time. I have arraigned for a few of the guys from the Sheriff's office to help with the procession, My Name and cell number is in Troy's phone feel free to use it if you ever have a need. I had the distinct pleasure of calling him my friend as well as his father. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. Dave and Troy made my 12 year old sons day when they let him sit in the race car at the shop a photo that will be treasured, he was the best.
Theresa Hay
02/23/2016
Karen, so sorry for your loss of your husband . Our thoughts and prayers are with your family .
Dennis May
02/23/2016
My heart breaks for all the Shafer family. Troy and Dave were my first connections to boating so many years ago. I saw them as friends as well as partners. Troy always told it like it was and you know where you and everyone stood with him. He was a fair and honest man. I will miss him, but I know him and Dave are already working on a boat or car together. May life's sorrows be lifted by the shared love of family and friends. Take care!
Rich Tittle
02/23/2016
Karen, Jackie, and family
There are no words to express my sorrow for you all individually, and as a family. I just learned of Troy's passing today. I am in Arizona until mid March so I am unable to attend. I want u all to know you are all in my prayers, and thoughts today. Both Dave, and Troy were dear friends of mine, and both have touched my heart deeply. I know they are where God wants them to be right now, and that does give me peace. Death I have discovered in my own experience we do not get over but given time we learn to live with it the best we can. I am thankful Troy's suffering is over, and Troy is at peace. As we move forward we must do the same !!! Love, and care for all of you !!! RIP my friend ??????????
Jeff and Kim Weeks
02/23/2016
Our hearts go out to the Shafer family. Jackie is our beloved church member at HPCC and we have embraced her through some tough times and she will always be in our thoughts and prayers and be loved. Blessings to all of the Shafers. Troy - RIP!
Marty/Tami Knight and girls
02/22/2016
I will miss the real man, that was so great with all the girls he coached . He was a true teacher and a awesome coach. I spent a lot of summers with Troy and he in his own way,was a joker but a great man that I called a friend
Kirk Gordon
02/22/2016
I saw Troy as a wonderful example, not only as a good man, but as a father, a husband, and a friend. May peace be with Karen and the entire family. Hugs to all.
Michelle Shelley
02/22/2016
Troy was truly a special and genuine person. I could go a long time without seeing him, and yet when we did meet up, it's like a day hadn't skipped. I was privledged to spend my young childhood growing up with the Shafer's. My heart breaks for the family and the loss. Hugs and love to Karen, Kim, Jackie and all the rest of his beautiful family.
Scott and Laura Gardner
02/22/2016
Our prayers go out to the entire family. As the former operators of Cordova Dragway we appreciated Troy's dedication to his family as well as racing. May he be at rest with the Lord.
Melissa Shields Patterson
02/22/2016
My family has known the Shafer family since we first moved to Des Moines in 1962. My dad Walt got into drag racing in the 70s because of Dave. We hung out at Boat-a-Rama, which was big fun for me. Then came Saydel HS, cheering for Troy in wrestling. Adulthood brought marriage and kids, but we found time to go to the drag strip to watch Dad race, and there was Troy, who had taken over for Dave by that time. My two girls fell in love with him, because he was so cool, AND he raced cars! That era is over, but I will always wonder who will win the race at the drag strip in heaven; Troy or Dave??? No matter who wins, you know they will both be smiling!
Jeri Hodson
02/22/2016
Our thoughts and Prayers are with the Shafer Family. We have know Troy since his birth, watching him become a caring and wonderful young man. Jackie our hearts bleed for you in the loss of your son. Karen , we are so sorry for your loss of your soul mate. Kim we
Also remember yor great loss. Troy and Karen's children have been fortunate to have such loving and caring parents. Please know how much we care. Love Dave and Jeri Hodson.