Published on August 3, 2026 7:32 am
Last Updated on August 3, 2026 7:32 am
Larry Shane Shaffer age 55, of Casey, Illinois passed away Friday, July 31, 2026, at his home.
Cremation rites will be accorded to Shane. The family is planning a memorial service for a later date.
Larry Shane, better known to all as “Shane”, was born on November 4, 1970, in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Larry Stephen Shaffer and Niki Park Shaffer. Shane could often be found walking country roads on his way to help a friend, neighbor, or someone he had never met on his way to “work” at Moonshine Store or Stutesman’s Garage Used Car Salvage and 24hr Towing. He never met a stranger. God let a little boy stay, wrapped inside a grown man’s frame, so the world would never forget what innocence looks like. He measured no one, judged no one, and loved everyone. His smile was always a warm welcome, his words were a blessing, his heart was always open. The world called him different, but Heaven called him beloved. Now Shane has finally gone home, whole in body, clear in mind, walking streets of gold, and standing before the Savior he loved so deeply.
His race is finished. His joy is complete. And those of us left behind will remember that sometimes the greatest lives are lived with the heart of a child. May Shane’s memory continue to remind everyone who knew him that the purest expression of Christ is often found in simple, unwavering love. Some people spend a lifetime trying to become better. Shane simply just was the best.
Though his mind remained that of a little boy, his heart was more pure than most of us. Everyone was a friend, everyone was worth loving, and every person mattered to him. He was just a big kid, a gentle giant whose life reminded us that greatness isn’t measured by intelligence, accomplishments, or success. It’s measured by love and Shane loved well. The doctors never expected him to live this long. Yet God gave him 55 years to shine His light into the lives of everyone he encountered. Shane loved Jesus, loved his family, loved his church, and he just loved people. He looked forward to Sundays because that meant church at New Beginnings with his family and usually dinner followed. There wasn’t a complicated bone in his body. His faith was simple, genuine, and beautiful. He leaves behind a world that’s a little quieter without his laughter, but Heaven is surely louder with its rejoicing. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me… for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” I can’t help but think Shane understood that with a childlike heart better than most of us ever will. Thank you, Shane, for reminding us how to love without conditions, forgive without hesitation, and greet every person with joy. You were a gift to all who knew you. Until we meet again, Shaner, our gentle giant. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Shane will be loved and forever remembered by his mother and step-father, Niki Shaffer and Rick Livingston of Casey; father, Larry Stephen Shaffer (Casey) of Newton; siblings, Matthew (Heidi) Shaffer of Greenup, Janet Shaffer of Newton, Luke Shaffer of Largo, FL, Devin Shaffer of Greenup, Addison Shaffer of Effingham and Trinity Shaffer of Effingham; nieces and nephews, Parker Shaffer, Ava Shaffer, Keira Shaffer and Amelia Jackson, Kassidy and Madalynn and little Marcus; uncle, Donnie (Karen) Shaffer; aunt, Valena (Russell “Munch”) Patridge and his loving dog, Milo.
His maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as multiple aunts and uncles preceded him in death.
Online condolences may be offered at www.crainfuneral.com.