Darrell Shafer, 70, of Ironton, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2011, at the Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky. The Wilgus native was born Jan. 14, 1941, the son of the late Stanley and Marie Kingery Shafer. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ruth Wiseman Shafer, whom he married Dec. 2, 1967.

Mr. Shafer was a 1959 graduate of Ironton High School and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a former truck driver for Ashland Inc., retiring in 1996 after 35 years of service. He was awarded the million-mile award for driving without an accident. He loved woodworking, restoring old cars, computers, embroidery, talking on the phone, and his animals, but most of all his family and friends. He was a member of the Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in Waterloo.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, James Stanley Shafer of Ironton; a daughter, Lori Ann Shafer of Ironton; and a brother and sister-in-law, Rollan and Willa Shafer of Winchester, Ky.

Funeral services will be noon Saturday at Phillips Funeral Home with Pastor Roger Colegrove officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. His favorite saying was “Smile everyday and love your animals.” Donations may be made to the Community Hospice Care Center, 2330 Pollard Road, Ashland, KY 41101. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.