Philip Corrin Shaffer
d. June 14, 2007
Date Died: June 14, 2007
AMARILLO, TX -- Philip Corrin Shaffer, 71, a beloved family member and well-known, well-respected businessman, died Thursday, June 14, 2007 in Justin, TX after a brief and devastating illness known as classic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.
Memorials: The family suggests that donations go to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation in lieu of flowers. CJD Foundation, PO Box 5312, Akron, OH. 44334. 800.659.1991.
Philip was born May 2, 1936 in Beaver County, OK to Roger Youtsler and Mayme Marie (Stewart) Shaffer. He was raised on the Shaffer Homestead in Texas County (Guymon), Oklahoma. Philip went to grade school at the Unity School until eighth grade. He graduated from Guymon High School with the Class of 1953. Philip continued his education at Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK for one year, and then joined the U. S. Air Force. His tour of duty was in Newfoundland at that time. Phil then came back to OPSU, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He was then hired by the U.S. Navy in the weapons department (ballistics) for approximately four years. His close friend, Bob Rugglebuggy, convinced Phil that NASA needed his expertise. Philip established his home in Friendswood, TX upon joining NASA. Philip was present on the GEMINI program as an operations officer. Following GEMINI, he became the APOLLO Missions Moon Landing Flight Director, and then moved on to SKYLAB which was Philip's pride and joy. Philip also had brief involvement with the Space Shuttle program. He retired from NASA in 1976 and he then became a consultant for Rockwell Industries. In the meantime, he acquired a Ph.D. in psychology and a Master's Degree in advanced mathematics. Upon leaving the Rockwell consulting period, he bacame an investor/well-known businessmann in the Southeast Texas area and was respected by many. Philip had moved to Bacliff, TX in the interim where he lived for approximately 30 years. He enjoyed helping people and had many many friends. In 1998 while helping his family with a business in Guymon, OK he met Lawana Sue Winters Rawls. Phil and Sue married in Santa Fe, NM on April 13, 1999. They made their home in Amarillo, TX. Phil is loved very much and will be missed greatly by all his family. He has been a supportive and influential part of all their lives.
We add our sympathies to those who have already lost their loved ones to this devastating, rare disease. It is a very rapidly progressing, ultimately fatal disease. All efforts should be made to continue research and to find a cure and treatment for this illness. Awareness is the beginning of finding a cure.
Survivors: His wife, Lawana Sue Shaffer; brother, Gene Shaffer and wife, Melva formerly of Guymon, OK; sister, Susan Crouse and husband, Steve of Rose Hill, KS; children, Melissa (Rawls) Huya and husband, Tim J. of Bridgeport, TX, Tim Rawls of Guthrie, OK; nieces, Gayle (Shaffer) Patterson and husband, John, of Alvin, TX, Rebecca (Crouse) Perrymore and husband, Brett of Wichita, KS area, Marie (Crouse) VanArsdale of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Hanna, Dalton, and Clair Elizabeth Huya; great nephews and niece, Nathan, Ralley, Michael, Ronnie and Mikayla.
Hawkins Funeral Home Bridgeport, TX 940-683-2211