WILLARD, OH -The Willard community is mourning the loss of Raymond "Bud" Schaffer, 94, who passed peacefully on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Mercy Hospital Willard, surrounded by his loving family.
Bud was born in Norwalk on November 8, 1930 to Jerome (Joe) and Lillian Schaffer. He attended Norwalk St. Paul's school until his father moved the family to Willard in 1940 to own the Mobil Gas Station. Bud then attended and graduated from Willard High School.
Following high school, Bud worked on the railroad and Pioneer Balloon Company before serving his country (1951) in the Navy as an electrician on the USS Valley Forge where he saw wartime in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy following an automobile accident in 1954.
Following his time in the service, Bud went to work with his father at the Mobil gas station in downtown Willard. He was approached in 1963 to become a Rambler dealer, and so began his career as a Willard businessman. In 1964, Bud added the Dodge franchise and in 1966 took on Honda motorcycles. In 1974 he purchased the Pontiac-Buick dealership and later added Chrysler-Jeep-Plymouth until he handed over his business to his son in 2001. Bud proudly met the automotive needs of the Willard community for 38 years as an automobile dealer.
Bud was one of the original 16 investors who purchased Sutton Bank from Centran Corp. in 1985 and served on the Board of Directors for the bank for 19 years, even serving as Chairman. He was a member of the Exclusive Investment Club, Knights of Columbus (once serving as Grand Knight), Member of the Mercy Willard Hospital Foundation, and receiving the Wasserman Award in 2014, and Member of the Willard Elks. Bud was also a member of the Car Coddlers Club of Ohio.
During his time in the service, Bud married a beautiful young nurse named Norma Loretta Lofland. They shared 53 glorious years together raising six children, serving their community and parish, and enjoying their grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bud was a parishioner and deep believer at St. Francis Xavier Church, Willard. Bud enjoyed playing rummikub, traveling, car collecting, furniture restoration, and spending time with his family. He was a generous donor to many charities and organizations.
Bud is survived by a family who loved him fiercely, including: daughter Chris Jacobs, daughter Beth (Bill) Goodsite, son Mike (Deb) Schaffer, all of Willard and daughter Julie (Lanny) Jackson of Lafayette, LA, and son-in-law Dane (Val) Moll of Visalia, CA. Sisters Marilyn (Claude) Keaton and Corrine Bittikofer, both of Willard. Grandchildren Ryan (Tiffany) Jacobs, Dustin (Morgan) Jacobs, Kyle (Melanie) Jacobs, Casey Goodsite, Caitlin Goodsite, Cody Jackson, Ked (Amie) Jackson, Joe (Kylie) Jackson, Tommy (Cydnie) Jackson, Austin (Michelle) Schaffer, Shelby Schaffer, Jackson Schaffer, Landon Schaffer, Nathan Moll and Case Moll along with 18 great grandchildren. Bud is also survived by loving companion Alma Heisler of Willard, OH.
Preceding him in death were his parents Joe and Lillian Schaffer, adoring wife Norma (Lofland) Schaffer, daughter Becky (Schaffer) Moll, son Tommy Schaffer, grandson Nicholas Moll, and grandson Corey Goodsite.
Bud's family will receive friends on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Secor Funeral Home in Willard. Funeral Service (Catholic Mass) will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church, Willard on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm. A private interment for family will follow later in the summer at St. Joseph Cemetery in Willard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Willard Mercy Hospital Foundation or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Online condolences can be made to Bud’s family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Condolences
Mary and Darwin Weatherbie - Jun 6, 2025
Beth, Chris, Mike and the rest of the Schaffer family there are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Your father was one of a kind and he will certainly be missed by so many people. He was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather to all of you. Keep All of those precious memories close and he will be with you always. So hard losing those we love, but you must know that OUR DEAR LORD was waiting with open arms to welcome him home as your mom and other family members who have also passed. We will keep all of you in our prayers during this difficult time and know we care. Hugs and you were so lucky to have him as long as you did. God bless all of you
Bob Ayres - Jun 5, 2025
Sorry to hear the sad news about Bud. Kind thoughts and prayers are going out for him and his extended Schaffer family. May God provide strength and comfort for the difficult days ahead, and fond memories for the years to come.
Robert Bauer Family - Jun 4, 2025
Our most sincere condolences and prayers for your loss. His amazing personality and faith will live on through you all.
Marsha Ganni - Jun 3, 2025
Chris, Beth and Bill, Mike and Deb and families, Sorry for your loss. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and Prayers. God Bless you all
Peggy Opatken - Jun 3, 2025
May Bud rest in peace. He was a nice neighbor
John E. Schumm - Jun 3, 2025
Dear Family: I am the family genealogist for the Rossman family and have met Bud on several occasions as we are actually second cousins.What a wonderful man! You have my deepest sympathy and are in my thoughts and prayers. John E. Schumm
Marilyn Fryman - Jun 3, 2025
Beth, Chris and family. My condolences to all for your loss. I pray your memories will give you comfort.
Michael, Eric, Mick and McLane - Jun 3, 2025
We send our love, and our prayers for peace and comfort to the family of Mr. Schaffer. Grandson Dustin Jacobs is a close family friend.
Delbert & Beth - Jun 3, 2025
Sure enjoyed knowing your Dad, great to work for Bud. Had great Christmas Parties with Norma &Bud🎊. RIP Bud🙏🏼
Audrey (Ginter) Fortner - Jun 3, 2025
My heartfelt condolences go out to Bud’s family and his many friends. I had the privilege of getting to know Bud during his tenure as a Mercy Health Foundation Board member, on which he served for nine years until he met his term limit in 2014. He continued his service as a hospital volunteer for many years. He was vital to the fundraising campaign to build the new hospital and is remembered for his earnest generosity with the Schaffer Family Conference room, and as a Wasserman Award honoree. He was truly one of the kindest and most giving individuals I’ve ever known. He was a constant presence at events like the annual golf outing and the Candlelight Ball — always giving of his time and encouraging others. I admired and respected Bud for the genuine, caring person he was, and I know he will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
VIOLA LUNA - Jun 3, 2025
PRAYERS TO ALL OF BUD'S KIDS AND FAMILIES (YOU WERE BLESSED TO HAVE HIM FOR MANY YEARS) RIP (BUD) LOVE VI LUNA AND FAMILY
Jeff Bertram - Jun 3, 2025
Our family is grateful for having known Bud because he not only gave my dad his first job selling cars at Shaffer Motors back in the 1960's, but he remained a close friend of my dad and our family after my dad moved us to Norwalk as dad took a job at another dealership. I remember Bud even coming to some of our family reunions just to say hi. He was a wonderful man with an infectious smile that I will always remember. My condolences to the family as you struggle with the loss.
Scarlett Adams - Jun 3, 2025
My condolences on the lost of your Dad🙏🏻
Dutch & Laurie - Jun 3, 2025
Prayers for peace for the family. He was an exceptional man that will be missed by many.
The Shirley's - Jun 3, 2025
What a wonderful life well lived and the legacy of a great family.
Teri Swarner - Jun 3, 2025
To all the Schaffer’s, I am so sorry for the passing of Bud. He was a pillar in Willard and a wonderful example of generosity! He was a wonderful man who lived a beautiful full life. May the memories be the journals in your minds as you have a journal of wonderful adventures to help with your grief. Thoughts with you all. Teri
Deb - Jun 3, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my prayers.
Kenneth Risner - Jun 3, 2025
Very sorry to hear this. Hang in there Mike
Rick Reed - Jun 3, 2025
Condolence's to the family. Mike so sorry to hear about your dads passing.
Susan Wiles Hellinger - Jun 3, 2025
Dear Schaffer family, please accept my sympathy on the loss of Your dad. Always Mr Schaffer to me as he was someone to be respected; and he and the entire Schaffer family have always been loved and respected by our entire community. May your dear dad enjoy God’s peace now and forever.
Lynn and John Garlough - Jun 3, 2025
Our thoughts are with you in your time of loss. Bud certainly lived a full and wonderful life.
Ned and Cheri Peddicord - Jun 2, 2025
To the Schaffer family, we are so sorry to hear of Bud's passing. May the wonderful memories comfort you during this sad time.
Jim & Elaine Ganni.................. Seymour, Indiana - Jun 2, 2025
Bud, was one great guy., I remember when I was in Jr-high. I would watch City League basketball games at the old high school gym.. .Bud was playing... Prayers for the family.
Bob and Kim Reed - Jun 2, 2025
Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. Sending love and prayers to your family.
Darlene King (Brown) - Jun 2, 2025
Sorry for your loss. My parents bought several cars from Bud. Bud was a kind friend to all.
Donna Myers - Jun 2, 2025
To all who loved or knew Bud; Bud was a one of a kind man and kind he was. His caring and philanthropy made the Willard community richer in so many ways. Fly High Bud in the arms of your Savior.
Larry & Marsha Predieri - Jun 2, 2025
Bud and Norma were our neighbors for many years and it would be difficult to find any better ones. Our deepest condolences to the family. Larry & Marsha Predieri
Joe and Janene Reiderman - Jun 2, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of Bud's passing. What a wonderful man the community of Willard has lost. So many wonderful memories for all of you to look back on. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Frank and Linda Mendoza - Jun 2, 2025
Our deepest condolences to all the family. Bud was a true friend and loyal car salesman . I well always remember him as being the best of best car salesman in the 60's and 70's. Going to miss you sweet man. RIP Bud
Tina Carr - Jun 2, 2025
So sorry to hear of Bud’s passing. He was one of a kind. Prayers to everyone.
Jackie Ratliff - Jun 2, 2025
My sincere sympathy to Bud's family. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck & JoAnne - Jun 2, 2025
Our sincere condolences to Bud’s wonderful family. He is a huge loss to family, friends and the Willard community.
Linda Veletean - Jun 2, 2025
To all of Buds family. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose a parent and Bud certainly was a well known person in Willard. He succeeded in every venture he took on and left all of you a great legacy. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Robert - Jun 2, 2025
It's hard for me to believe Bud is gone. He was such a strong presence in our lives, especially my Mom's. I'll always remember all the times at his house watching Family Feud and Dr. Phil with Bud and my Mom, or going out to eat at Uncle Dudley's or Varsity Club. He was kind and generous to us all, especially my Mom. Because of him she got to travel the world and experience things she would never had the opportunity to do without him. Bud definitely added life to my Mom's years, and my sister and I are very grateful. I'm so glad Bud called my Mom up just about 20 years ago to ask her to go to a car show, and she said yes. Our lives were thankfully never the same after that phone call. Thank you, Bud.
Cindy Phillips Lynch - Jun 2, 2025
Dear Chris, Beth , Mike and family So sorry for your loss.
Sandee - Jun 2, 2025
Mike and family so very sorry to see that your Dad passed away. Bud was always friendly when my Dad and I would run into him. He will be missed by many in the town of Willard. Prayers for your family.
Shari Dawson - Jun 2, 2025
I’m truly sorry to hear about Bud’s passing. He has to be one of the greatest men I’ve EVER met. My condolences to the entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Bud.
Kenny Edgeson - Jun 2, 2025
Remember many times ( over 50 years ago) meeting him when my dad used to to stop in and look at cars/ motorcycles at his dealership there on and the way him and my dad always joked around with each other every time they saw each other.
