John Arnold Schaffhauser

John Arnold Schaffhauser, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at his home in Ripley, MS attended to by his loving wife of 46 years, Audrey C. Schaffhauser. John was born July 24, 1936, to Arnold C. Schaffhauser and Malissia F. Schaffhauser in Marvell, AR.

John graduated in 1954 from Central High School in Helena, AR. He attended Memphis State College for one semester, then enlisted in the U.S. Army, spending more than two years of his three year enlistment stationed overseas.

John was a member of the historic first class of firefighters hired by the Shelby County Fire Department in Tennessee. He retired with the rank of lieutenant in 1997 after 26 years of service with both firefighter and EMT certifications.

John also provided private armed security at multiple federal facilities in Shelby County, TN, for several years. He was a Master Mason with over 50 years of membership.

John was a natural at many activities whether it was pool, ping pong, horseshoes, pistols or shooting hoops. He also enjoyed drawing, often saying that drawing allowed him to relax.

John enjoyed a large family. He is survived by his children Charles Schaffhauser of Marvell, AR, David Schaffhauser of San Miguel de Allende, MX, Connie Salter of Memphis, TN, Melissa Childers of Walnut, MS, Elaine Abdelrahim of Grand Junction, TN, step-daughter Bonnie Croes of Seattle, WA, and a grandson he raised, Justin Carter, of Middleton, TN. He also leaves numerous other grand children and great grand children.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, a brother James A. Schaffhauser and sons John A. Schaffhauser, Jr., and Michael Scott Schaffhauser.

We would be remiss if we failed to mention John’s favorite dog, Jericho.

John’s pallbearers include Ali Abdelrahim, Layth Abdelrahim, Ryid Abdelrahim, Justin Carter, Ricky Childers and Zack Childers. Honorary pallbearer Jerry Meeks, a long time friend and retired firefighter.