Arthur Dean Shafer

Arthur “Dean” Shafer, 83, of Gentry, Arkansas, passed away at his home on September 10, 2025.

Dean was born on June 26, 1942, in Orange County, California to Arthur and Reba Shafer. He lived in Colorado, Nebraska, and Texas before moving to Arkansas in 1965.

He loved nature, and collected rocks, stamps, and cons most of his life. He attended Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, the University of Texas, NWACC, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1986. He was one of the original members of the Northwest Arkansas Gems & Mineral Club. Most of his professional years were spent working for Siloam Springs Memorial Hospital. He later owned and operated Arkhoma Hobbies in Gentry.

He is survived by his wife Ruby of 62 years; daughter Anita Wise of Gentry; son Charles Dale Shafer of Neosho, Missouri; daughter Wanda Hammond and husband Carson of Gentry; six grandchildren and many great grandchildren; also, several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Loretta Westberry of Jacksonville, Florida.

No services are planned at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs, Arkansas.