Thomas Shanafelt, 64
Aug. 20, 1947 —
Feb. 6, 2012

Thomas L. Shanafelt, 64, of Bradenton, Fla., beloved husband of Linda (Graves) Shanafelt, passed peacefully on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville after a long illness and courageous fight.
He was born Aug. 20, 1947, in Niles, the son of Katherine Shanafelt and the late Jules Shanafelt. He graduated from Manatee High School in 1965 and enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served most proudly as a member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in Washington, DC.
Following service to his country, he chose to serve his community, where he spent nearly 30 years as a law enforcement officer in Manatee County.
He started his career in Anna Maria, served with distinction as the chief of police for the City of Holmes Beach Police Department and retired as a deputy sheriff with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Besides his loving wife of almost 38 years, Tom leaves behind two sons, Thomas Lyle Shanafelt, II and his wife, Joy of Bradenton, Fla., and Louis Sloane Shanafelt and his wife, Lesley of Orlando, Fla. He is also survived by his mother, Katherine Shanafelt of Ft. Collins, Colo.; a brother and his wife, Gary and Chris Shanafelt of Estes Park, Colo.; a sister and her husband, Kathy and Gene Watkinson of Ft. Collins;  a grandson, Thomas Lyle Shanafelt, III; and a granddaughter, Avery Grace Shanafelt; as well as three nephews. In addition he leaves a large extended family behind in Bennington, Vt., along with numerous close and dear friends.
Tom was a descendent of Shanafelt pioneers and farmers to Cass County in 1835 from Pickaway County Ohio.
A memorial visitation was held Saturday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., when family received friends and family at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd St., Chapel 604 43rd St. West, Bradenton, Fla.
A private graveside service for family will be held at a later date in Bennington, Vt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607 or at myeloma.org.