Charles Sherman Shafer passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the age of 82 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Judy Parsons Shafer, his son, Scott Shafer and wife, Tiffany, daughter, Amy Axtell, and husband, Bryan, grandchildren, Erin Evans and husband, Koarum, Becca Shafer, Zachary Axtell, and Brady Axtell, sister-in-law Guynell Gunn and husband, Charlie.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Hershel and Valarie Shafer, brother Billy Wayne Shafer, and sister-in-law Jean.

Charles was born on September 21, 1942, in Winfield, Texas.  He spent his childhood years in Winfield and graduated Valedictorian from Mt. Vernon High School.  After high school, he attended East Texas State University and pursued a degree in Education.  Upon graduation, in 1963, he moved to the Houston area and taught English and History in the Galena Park Independent School District.  He split his time between teaching and serving his country in the National Guard Reserve.  He later transferred to the Fourth Army NCO Academy as an instructor.  In 1965, he married the love of his life, Judy.

From 1971-2008, he taught English Composition, Literature, and Folklore in the Lee College System both in Baytown, Texas, and as a part of the prison system in Huntsville, Texas.  Toward the end of his teaching career at Lee College, he published a compilation of short stories that chronicled his childhood in The View from the Chinaberry Tree.

Charles attended Burke Road Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon and taught a young men's Bible class.  Later in life, he attended Parkgate Community Church.

Upon retirement, he enjoyed woodworking, reading, writing, and listening to music, but his greatest joy was found in the time spent with his family.  Charles loved his family and was proud of each of his grandchildren and their accomplishments.