Thomas Richard Schaffer

June 30, 1937 - December 16, 2020

Thomas “Tom” Richard Schaffer, 83, of Nowata, Oklahoma, took the hand of the Lord and followed Him home Wednesday, December 16, 2020. Tom was born June 30, 1937, in Ellington, Missouri, to parents Harry Charles and Hazel Alma (Barton) Schaffer. He received his associates of business degree from Cisco Junior College. Tom served our great nation in the US Air Force for over 20 years. He retired after multiple deployments to Southeast Asia on July 7, 1977. He then went to work for Texas Instruments and worked there for over 15 years. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he obtained multiple awards, and was a lifetime member of the DAV, Chapter 65. Tom also enjoyed computers, woodworking, supporting and helping disabled veterans, tinkering and going to the casino. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brother, sisters, son Richard and grandson Zachary. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia, of the home, sons Michael and wife Stephanie of Nowata and Stephen and wife Megan of Haven, Kansas, daughter Kristina Burneson and husband Patrick, of St. Louis, Missouri, grandsons Dylan, Tyler, Austin and Dustin, granddaughters Katie, Bridget and Riley, 6 great grandsons and 1 great granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to the DAV #65 in Dewey or the USO.