Hays- Derek James Shaffer, 42, died on April 28, 2024 at his home in Hays. He was born on November 4, 1981 at Garden City the son of Darrel C. & Stephanie (Reifschneider) Shaffer.
Derek graduated with the Class of 2000 from Dighton High School where he was on the football and golf teams. He attended the University of Kansas. He had been a resident of Hays for the past 13 years. Derek enjoyed storm chasing and had worked with a crew from the Discovery channel to photograph and track major storms. He loved KU sports and was a Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals fan and also enjoyed music, hunting and fishing. He liked being with family and especially being an Uncle. He cared deeply about people, helping others before himself.
He is survived by his Parents- Darrel & Stephanie Shaffer of Dighton, 2 Brothers- Kevin Shaffer of Leiden, Netherlands and Clinton J. & Shelby Shaffer of Dighton and Nephew Lane.
Memorial Service will be at 10:30 AM Thursday at United Methodist Church in Dighton with Rev A. G. Turner officiating. Burial will be in Dighton Memorial Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to United Methodist Church in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhoomes.com