Dale Vernon Shaffer

Dale Vernon Shaffer, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. Dale was the son of the late Clifford and Leona Shaffer, was born Oct. 25, 1933 in Lynnville. He graduated high school with the class of 1953 in Newton. Following graduation Dale worked at the Maytag Company until early 1954.

He then joined the United States Air Force Aviation Cadet Flying Training program. He completed pre-flight training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, primary flight training at Marana Air Force Base, Ariz., and Basic Flight Training at Web Air Force Base, Texas where on June 15, 1955, he was commissioned second Lieutenant and awarded Pilot Wings.

Dale married the late Myrna Myers of Newton June 18, 1955. Following a short training period for air traffic control, Dale and Myrna were assigned to Johnson Air Force Base, Japan where their first child, Dale Lynn was born. Dale and Myrna returned to the United States in 1957 for the birth of their son, Joel Ray. Dale then worked as an advanced fighter and gunnery training in the F-84 and F-100 aircraft. During his 10 years flying the F-100, he amassed more than 2,900 flight hours, 13 flights across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans using air to air refueling. Dale was selected as functional test flight pilot, instructor and standardization/evaluation pilot very early in his F-100 career. He flew 252 aerial combat missions in Vietnam during 1967.

After returning to the United States, Dale became an instructor pilot in the supersonic T-38 training aircraft. In 1970, Dale was assigned to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., where he completed Air Force Command and Staff College. From there he was assigned to the United States Third Air Force headquarters in England where he became the Chief of Safety. In 1973, he returned to the United States and was retired in 1974, after more than 20 years active duty.

Some of the awards and decorations Colonel Shaffer received were, the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star service medal, 13 Air Medals, The Meritorious Service Medal and numerous other awards recognitions.

Following retirement, Dale and Myrna continued traveling in RVs through the United States, Canada including the Maritime Provinces.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dale Lynn; and Myrna, his wife of more than 55 years.

Contributions in memory of Dale can be made to the American Legion Post 111 in Newton, for the Student Scholarship Fund.

You may view obituaries, offer condolences and sign the guest book at clary-glenn.com.

Clary-Glenn Funeral Homes & Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.