In memory of our loving son, brother, grandson, uncle, Airman, and friend, Staff Sergeant Dylan Brent Shaffer, who passed away in Fairfield, California, on June 17, 2026, while actively serving in the United States Air Force.
Dylan was born on August 27, 2000, in San Pedro, California, to Christopher and Sylvia Shaffer. In 2005, his family moved to Kingman, Arizona, where Dylan grew up, made countless memories, and built friendships that would last throughout his life. He attended Hualapai Elementary School and White Cliffs Middle School and graduated from Lee Williams High School in 2018.
Growing up, Dylan was active, determined, and always willing to challenge himself. He participated in football, band, and wrestling during his school years. While a part of the LWHS wrestling team, Dylan showed incredible discipline and perseverance, earning his way to the State Championships. Dylan also took welding courses through Mohave Community College before enlisting in the United States Air Force.
When Dylan made the decision to serve, he shared that his reason was simple — he wanted to protect the people he loved and his country. That desire to look out for others reflected who Dylan was throughout his life: someone with a caring heart who wanted those around him to feel safe, valued, and never alone.
Dylan graduated from United States Air Force Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, on November 15, 2019, as part of the 321st Training Squadron (321 TRS), Flight 803. Following graduation, he continued on to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, where he completed technical training and became a C-17 Crew Chief, which is the Air Force’s 2nd largest cargo aircraft. He was then assigned to the 860th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California.
Upon arriving at Travis AFB, Dylan quickly became an integral part of the 860th AMXS team, generating America’s greatest airlifter and demonstrating the knowledge, dedication, and confidence that defined his work. He earned Senior Airman Below-the-Zone and, in August 2021, began his journey as a Flying Crew Chief.
As a Flying Crew Chief, Dylan completed 105 missions and accumulated 1,473 flight hours across six of the seven continents. Through humanitarian missions, exercises, and operations, he helped move 2,073 passengers and more than 7 million pounds of cargo around the world.
Dylan was proud to serve his country and had recently reenlisted for another six years, with plans to continue his service and make the United States Air Force his career. His dedication, leadership, and commitment to the mission earned him numerous awards and recognition throughout his military career.
Although Dylan’s accomplishments were remarkable, what truly defined him was his heart.
Dylan was a light to so many. He was kind, generous, compassionate, and loved deeply. He had a rare gift of noticing people — making others feel included, valued, and important. Whether it was his time, friendship, support, or anything he had to offer, Dylan gave freely and often put the needs of others before his own.
Those who knew Dylan will remember his infectious smile, his humor, his loyalty, and the way he made people feel like they mattered. To his Air Force family, Dylan was more than a teammate — he was a brother. From his family and friends in Kingman to his United States Air Force brothers and sisters around the world, Dylan left a lasting impact through the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the memories he created.
Dylan leaves behind his loving parents, Christopher and Sylvia Shaffer; paternal grandmother, Linda Shaffer; paternal grandfather, Barry Shaffer and wife Maria; maternal grandmother, Marie Jennifer Wing; and maternal grandfather, Alfred Richard Holmes and wife Goldie.
He is also survived by his brothers and sister: Paul Montalvo and wife Mariana, nephews Antonio and Raymond; the family of his late brother David Montalvo, including David’s wife Dianne, nieces Kaylani, Jazmine, Desiree, and nephew David Jr.; the family of his late brother Anthony Montalvo, including nephew Anthony Montalvo Jr.; brother Trevor Shaffer and his fiancée Cassie Forlenza, who are expecting Dylan’s newest nephew Truett; and sister Emily Shaffer.
Dylan also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, friends, and his United States Air Force family who loved him dearly.
In the last months of his life, Dylan committed his life to Christ and continued seeking faith, love, and purpose. His family finds comfort knowing he is held in God’s love and reunited with those who went before him.
Dylan was welcomed into Heaven by his brothers Anthony Raymond Montalvo and David Matthew Montalvo, who passed before him.
Dylan will forever be loved, missed, and remain in our hearts. His family, friends, and United States Air Force family will continue to carry forward his kindness, generosity, and the love he shared with the world.
Family and friends are invited to Dylan’s visitation at Sutton Memorial Funeral Home Tuesday, July 14 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
His memorial service will be held at Journey Church Wednesday, July 15 at 10:30 a.m.
Burial with military honors will be held at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV Thursday, July 16 at 10:20 a.m.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…” — Revelation 21:4
