Loran Dale Shaffer, Jr.

Loran “Jr.” Shaffer, 61, of Kensett, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday March 27, 2024. He was born October 23, 1962, to Barbara (Fairfield) and Loran Shaffer, Sr. in Ohio. Loran was raised on the Fairfield family farm property in Kensett and valued the years he was able to spend with his grandparents there.

 From a young age, Loran displayed an exemplary work ethic. He was a skilled and self-taught tradesman who was always working to master something new. He spent over a decade as a foreman for Barnett Construction, where he helped to build many of the buildings and houses in the Searcy area. For many, Loran was most well-known for his work in the Engineering Department at Unity Health where he spent over twenty years before retiring in late 2023.

 Loran loved farming, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He spent hours throughout his lifetime sharing his love of classic rock music with his daughters and reminiscing over some of the wild times he had in his youth. He was an avid griller and spent many of his later days in life teaching his son-in-law, Ricky, his methods for the best ribs and steaks.

 Loran truly never met a stranger and was always looking for a way to help friends and family. He was known for his dry sense of humor, which abounded, no matter the setting or circumstance. To many, “Jr” (or “Uncle Jr”, as he was lovingly known to so many) was a true superhero. Whether it was remodeling a home, building a barn, or fixing a car, Loran was always there to solve life’s problems, big or small. Loran’s greatest happiness in life came from his wife, Connie, their daughters, Samantha and Amber, and (most of all) his three grandchildren.

 Loran is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters Samantha (Ricky) Fisher and Amber Shaffer; grandchildren Caroline, Cash, and Everett; sister Rebecca (Dickie) Lawson; brothers Carthel Skinner, Jr. and David (Misty) Skinner, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. Loran was preceded in death by his parents, Carthel and Barbara Skinner; sister, Sandra Bradley; and grandparents, Elijah and Nettie Fairfield.

 Visitation and funeral services will be held at Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., in Beebe, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6pm-8pm on Monday, April 1, 2024. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 2 at 2pm. Burial will be in Stoney Point Cemetery.

To view the online register, visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook.