The Rev. Robert K. Shaffer, a former pastor of Havenwood Presbyterian Church and retired automobile salesman, died of congestive heart failure Saturday at his Timonium home. He was 88.

Born in Johnstown, Pa., he was the son of David J. Shaffer, a cash register salesman, and Norma Custer.

He was a 1944 graduate of South Hills High School in Pittsburgh. At age 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces during World War II. He was assigned to the Philippines. He was later chaplain for the 135th Maryland Air National Guard. He retired with 30 years of service as a chaplain lieutenant colonel.

As a young man, he was a sales trainee for the Harbison-Walker steel company in Pennsylvania.

He met his future wife, Jane Moyer, when they were both in the choir at Dormont Presbyterian Church in South Hills, Pa.

He earned a bachelor's degree at Washington & Jefferson College, and was also a graduate of Western Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh.

Mr. Shaffer served churches in Pennsylvania and West Virginia before moving to Maryland in 1962, when he became pastor of Havenwood Presbyterian Church in Lutherville. He held the post until 1978.

He later sold Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth vehicles at the Doug Griffith agency. He was also a Baltimore County public schools substitute teacher. He retired nearly 30 years ago.

He was a woodworker and made clocks for family members. He also constructed birdhouses.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Havenwood Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Ridgley Road in Lutherville.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Jane M. Shaffer, a retired Baltimore County librarian; three sons, Eric M. Shaffer of New Freedom, Pa., R. Kent Shaffer Jr. of Chicago and Steven J. Shaffer of Elkridge; six granddaughters; and seven great-grandchildren.

—Jacques Kelly