Ronald L. Shaffer, retired Tulsa County District Judge, died April 5, 2018. He was born in Henryetta, July 16, 1936, to Vella Cash and Walter Ray Shaffer. After graduating from Henryetta High School in 1954, Ron attended OSU and later earned a law degree from the University of Tulsa.
His career at the Tulsa County Courthouse spanned 50 years, starting in 1957 as a Deputy Court Clerk and ending in 2007 with his retirement as a District Judge. Upon being admitted to the Oklahoma Bar Association, he worked in the Tulsa County District Attorney's office for 17 years and was Chief Prosecutor for 12 of those years.
He prosecuted a number of high profile cases including the Cleo Epps murder, car bombing and injury of Judge Fred Nelson and the Camp Scott Girl Scout murders.
In 1981, he was appointed as a Special Judge and in 1983 he was elected District Judge of Tulsa County, a position he held for 23 years until his retirement.
Over the years, Ron earned a number of honors and recognitions from fellow judges and attorneys including twice being named the State of Oklahoma's Outstanding Judge by the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association.
He was a member of numerous organizations including the Akdar Shrine, Pilgrim-Rock Mason Lodge, and Tulsa Court No. 47 Jesters. For eleven years, Ron was an adjunct Professor at TCC and a Meals On Wheels volunteer. One of his most fulfilling accomplishments was becoming a foster parent for DHS and along with his wife, Teri, fostering 11 children over a ten-year period.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father, Byron Remy of Henryetta; his son, Ricky; and his first wife, Linda.
Surviving him are his wife, Teri, of the home and his large extended family, including -daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-laws, and nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to honor him may make a contribution to Union Special Olympics, 619 S. Fir Ct., Broken Arrow, OK 74012 or a charity of your choice. Private Services.