Bill J. Shafer, 92½, of Toledo, Ohio, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Bill lived a life marked by unwavering dedication to his Lord and Savior, his family, and his love of teaching golf. To all who knew him, he was simply known as Papa.
Bill proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He dedicated much of his career to education in the Toledo Public School system, where he served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal before retiring in 1990. Retirement did not slow Bill down. He went on to become a PGA golf professional, sharing his passion and knowledge of the game by teaching golf and hosting golf programs on cruise ships. He loved connecting with people and helping others discover the joy of the game he cherished. In his later years, Bill could often be found at Basic Truth Church, watching an Ohio State football game, or attending one of his great-grandchildren’s sporting events. He was always there cheering them on-and you better hope they won!
Bill is survived by the love of his life, Mabel Moberly Shafer, his beloved wife of 70 years. He is also survived by his children, William (Kelly) Shafer and Susan (Earl) Crutcher, and was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Shafer. He leaves behind grandchildren Katie (Dilsher) Dhillon, Steven Shafer, Sam (Maddie) Shafer, Max (Taylor) Shafer, Kelley (Julia) Crutcher, Amey Plumb (Troy Greeno), Jamie (Troy) Przybylek, Justin (Shoshana) Shafer, Curt, and Amanda Van Vlerah, as well as his great-grandchildren Elleah, Aria, and Kaia Dhillon; Alex Shafer; Brooklyn and Nora Crutcher; Kenzey Young and Brody Plumb; Thomas and Taylor Przybylek; and Dawson, Kinsley, and Blake Van Vlerah.
Bill was one of 11 brothers and sisters. He is survived by his brother Gary (Pat) Shafer, along with many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law. Bill often said that marrying into the Moberly family was one of the greatest blessings of his life. His faith, love of family, passion for golf, and enthusiasm for the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched as a husband, father, Papa, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend.
Visitation will be held at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore, Ohio, on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in New Maplewood Cemetery, North Baltimore, where full military rites will be conducted by the North Baltimore American Legion Post 539.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Basic Truth Church 12389 Tank Farm Rd. Cygnet, OH 43413 or Hospice of Northwest Ohio 800 S. Detroit Ave. Toledo, OH 43614.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.
