Alton Ray Schaefer

Alton Ray Schaefer, 59, of Ballinger, Texas went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

Alton was born on June 13, 1961, to Lester Henry and Edna Lange Schaefer, in San Angelo, Texas. Alton graduated from Ballinger High School with the class of 1979. After graduation, Alton continued his education at Angelo State University. Later settling into farming and ranching with his brothers--Dennis, Bernard, and Ralph Schaefer. Alton married the love of his life, Marla Lee Rose, on August 4, 1990. The happy couple were wed in Ballinger at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Together they shared over thirty beautiful years of marriage. Alton was full of life and laughter and never knew a stranger. Many knew Alton by his contagious smile that would light up a room wherever he went. Alton was very involved at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Through the church, he served with the Knights of Columbus, holding the distinct honor of being Grand Knight. Alton was also an officer for Catholic Life, active in the Young Farmers organization, and known to enjoy a game of dominoes or two. Alton always had a wonderful time setting his domino friends playing Moon or 42. If Alton wasn’t swapping stories at the feed store, he would be drinking coffee at Short Stop, predicting the weather, and discussing life. It is easy to say laughter, dominos, farming, church, and family were a main priority of his.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Edna Schaefer, brother Dennis Lester Schaefer, and sister Karen Ann Schaefer. Alton is survived by his loving wife, Marla; daughter, Allison Schaefer, and son Brandon Schaefer; his brothers Ralph Schaefer and wife Billie, Greg Schaefer and wife Misti, and Bernard Schaefer; sisters Brenda Alexander and husband R.B, Laverne Yarborough and husband Jeff; and his nieces and nephews. Alton also loved Marla’s parents James and Lilla Rose, who had two other children, Kyle Rose and wife Sue Ann, and David Rose and his wife Cathy, and their children.

The family invites you to the rosary, which will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen, Texas. The funeral mass will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Olfen, Texas on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Father Ariel Lagunilla will celebrate the mass, and interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity or church in Alton’s honor.