Lester Henry Schaefer

Lester Schaefer, 90, of Ballinger passed away Friday, August 29, 2014 at Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

He was born July 19, 1924 in Olfen, Texas to Edward and Emilia (Miaketters) Schaefer. Lester attended school in Olfen. At age 20, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was stationed in the Philippine Islands with the First Battalion, 27th Infantry. He married Edna Frances Lange on November 25, 1952 and they raised seven children together. Lester was a soil conservationist for Runnels County, as well as, a farmer, stock farmer, and worked in the oil business. He was a board member and President of Norton High School. He served on the Board of Trustees until the school burnt in 1968 and was rebuilt as a grade school for 1-8 grades. He was also a board member of the Valley Creek Water Shed. Lester was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, First Men’s Society of Saint Mary, past member Norton Lions Club, St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Council #10985, and a member of the Rowena VFW. Lester volunteered his time to Meals on Wheels for several years. Lester enjoyed fishing, dining out, and playing dominos with his children, grandchildren, and especially with his domino friends at Shug’s Station in Norton and the Old Texas Theater on 8th Street in Ballinger. One of his favorite things about dominos was killing “double six”.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Edna; a daughter, Karen Ann; a son, Dennis; his sister, Melba Gottschalk and husband A.J.; his brothers Roy Schaefer and Erwin Schaefer; along with numerous brothers-in-law, cousins, and aunts.

He is survived by his children, Ralph and Billie Schaefer of Ballinger, LaVerne and Jeff Yarborough of Sweetwater, Bernard Schaefer of Norton, Alton and Marla Schaefer of Ballinger, Brenda and R.B. Alexander of Prosper, and Greg and Misti Schaefer of Graham; his grandchildren Charlotte Schaefer of Artesia, New Mexico, Brandon and Allison Schaefer of Ballinger, Kristen and Olivia Alexander of Prosper, and Emily and Lauren Schaefer of Graham; his sister-in-law Anita Schaefer of Ballinger, along with many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; special cousins Earline Johnson of San Angelo and Geraldine Halfmann of Wall; longtime friend John Stewart of Abilene; the last of his domino buddies, Kelly Chapman; and Lester leaves behind his dog, Bud.

Rosary will be recited 7:00 pm Sunday, August 31 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ballinger. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Monday, September 1 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Hugh Wade and Fr. Bob Baden con-celebrating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Rowena.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bundrant, Ballinger Memorial Hospital nurses and staff, Ballinger Healthcare and Rehab Center, and especially his caregiver Lynda. A special thanks to the many others who came by during Lester’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial be made to a favorite charity, St. Mary Star of the Sea Scholarship Fund, or Seminarian Burse. Arrangements are with Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger.