Thomas Eugene Shaffer, Sr. 66, of Quincy, formerly of Galesburg, entered into his eternal rest on May 26, 2026.

Thomas was born January 19, 1960, in Quincy, Illinois, the son of James and Ruby (Hainline) Shaffer. His parents later divorced and remarried. His stepfather, Terry Rineberg and stepmother, Carolyn (White) Shaffer.

When Tom moved out on his own, he married Brenda Horman. They welcomed a son, Thomas (Carlee Gorman) Shaffer, Jr. They divorced and Tom married Penny Davis. They welcomed two children, a daughter, Rachel (Josh) Godfrey and a son, Samuel Shaffer.

From these three children Tom was honored with three beautiful granddaughters, Kaitlyn Shaffer and Maddisyn and Cheyenne Godfrey. He was very proud of these girls and talked about them often.

When Tom was growing up he was raised with five siblings which he was very close with and loved dearly. Three sisters, Jackie Quinn and Lillie and Kari Shaffer and two brothers, James and Richard (Melissa) Shaffer. He later inherited three half-sisters, Cindy, Mitzi and Charlene and five half-brothers, Barry, Jeff, Keethan, Josh and Lucas.

Tom is also survived by three aunts, Karen Hainline, Bonnie (Gary) Rankin and Sally Shaffer; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom spent most of his life in which he called home in Galesburg. He always said his proudest accomplishments in life were being able to work hard to take care of his family and kids. He wanted to watch them grow up happy and healthy. He loved his family with his whole heart and was always bragging about them to everyone he could. When Tom first became a father to Tommy, he was so excited to see the miracle he and Brenda created. Tommy was the love of his life and meant the world to Tom. Tom was so proud of all Tommy's accomplishments like finishing high school, going into the Army and coming out a good, respectable, caring, determined man and most of all a wonderful father.

Tom's heart melted though when he had his baby girl with Penny. Rachel was the apple of his eye. He bragged about her beauty all the time. He always wanted to give her the best of everything. He swore he would never let anyone hurt her. He was so proud to watch her get married and have her own beautiful girls.

He then had his second son with Penny and Sammy was very special to Tom. He felt like this was his last chance to raise another wonderful man. Sammy was different though he was the side of Tom that was quiet and had his own beliefs of the world regardless of what others thought. Tom knew that's what made Sammy so special. Each of these three kids had a different part of Tom in them, but all in all, they shared the same strong ability to speak out if they needed to.

Tom moved back to Quincy after his second divorce to be closer to his mother and siblings. He then learned of his failing health conditions, so he never got to return to Galesburg where he always called home.

In Tom's lifetime he worked many jobs. In his younger years at fourteen he shined shoes. Tom enjoyed reading books, playing pool, disco dancing, listening to music and hanging out with his siblings. He started his first factory job at Roger Brothers. Since then he worked long periods at Maytag, Butlers and United Facilities, all in Galesburg. He also worked at Industrial Support Services with his mother in his later years before retirement. He loved and respected his parents very much.

Tom was a great man, very caring and compassionate. His friends would always talk about how Tom was the best friend anyone could ever ask for. Tom would help anyone that needed it, even if it meant he had to go without himself. He was always there to lend ear, give a hug or give a big special smile. He would even argue politics with you.

Tom had a lot of hobbies, but he loved to draw and sketch pictures of people, cars, buildings and nature. He really was a true artist. He even once designed a genuine label for a local Quincy band, called "Vandetta". Tom was also very good at disco dancing and loved seventies and eighties music. When he used to disco dance, he wore all the old disco clothes and even platform shoes.

Through it all though, Tom never forgot his true beliefs. Yahweh and Yeshua, God and Jesus. "May God Bless You Tom!"

Tom was preceded in death by all four of his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, three half-siblings and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Private family services will be held.