Kent A. Shafer

Kent Shafer, 79, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

He was born February 8, 1947 in Creston, Iowa, to Margaret and Donald Shafer. On the way to deliver him at the hospital his mother saw a sign for Kent, IA which is how his name was chosen.

Kent grew up in Grant, Iowa and graduated from Griswold High School in 1965. Following graduation, he worked in the Grant area in the farm and construction industries and also drove trucks hauling rock and livestock. In 1969 he moved to Des Moines to attend the College of Automation. There he learned computer skills and graduated first in his class.

He went on to work at Dial Finance, which later became Norwest Financial, in their computer operations department. He worked there for 17 years. His next job was at Integrated Resources and then Iowa Foundation for Medical Care which is where he retired from in 2013. He was highly regarded and well loved by his coworkers who became close friends.

In October of 1970 Kent met his future wife and love of his life, Jan McCrea, at a Halloween party in Des Moines. They were married on September 5, 1971 in Eldora, IA. They shared many wonderful memories including vacations to Hawaii, Alaska and the Panama Canal. They enjoyed bus trips and cruises as well as several family trips to Florida. Their love was special and enduring. Their marriage was a demonstration in patience, kindness and loyalty.

Kent’s greatest joy was his family. He loved them so well and was incredibly proud of each of his kids and grandkids. He taught them how to drive, put up with their shenanigans, and volunteered at their activities. He shared his love of finding a good deal, taking the scenic route, picnics at the park and the importance of family. He was a bonus dad to many and loved filling that role. Anyone was always welcome in his home and he treated everyone like family.

He was his grandkids #1 cheerleader and was lovingly known as Bampy. He traveled many miles watching them play soccer, softball & football as well as performing in various choir events and mock trial competitions. Bampy spent countless hours at ballfields, in bleachers, courtrooms and auditoriums and loved every minute of it. His grandkids loved him dearly and will treasure their many memories together.

Kent never met a stranger & would talk to anyone. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. To know him was to love him. His smile sparkled and he had a twinkle in his eye. His hugs were the absolute best. Anyone lucky enough to call him a friend or family knew what a treasure he was. We were all so fortunate to have him in our lives.

His final act of kindness was donating his body to Des Moines University for medical education. He had talked about doing this for many years and we were so glad when he was accepted. We hope that many future health care professionals are able to learn from his selfless gift.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 54 years, Jan, children, Angie Ross, Becky (McLean) Jordan, and Tony Shafer, three grandchildren, Abby Jordan, Braydon Ross and Mallory Jordan, foster daughter Nicole Figieroa as well as his beloved nieces and nephews and many more family members and dear friends.

Kent was preceded in death by his premature daughter Kimberly, his parents Margaret and Donald, brothers Bradley, Galen and Darrel, sister-in-law Karen and his father and mother-in-law Paul and Darlene McCrea.

The family will greet friends from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home; 5400 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 12th at 11 am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Sparkle Run at sparklerun.org or directed to the family to establish a memorial for Kent at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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