CSM (Ret) Hans Walter Schafer, Sr.

Hans Walter Schafer, Sr., son of the late Franz Josef Schafer and Margareta Schafer Nelis Wolf, was born on December 15th, 1942 in Niederlahnstein, Germany. He spent his childhood growing up in Lahnstein, Germany until he reached 19 years old. Turning 20, and ready to begin a career, he moved to the states and joined the United States Army. In Europe, his friends and family referred to him as Hans, however as he made a home for himself in the U.S. friends and family called him Walt. On October 17th, 1970, Walt and Bonnie M. (Tanner) Beacham committed their vows to each other in front of a very small group of close friends and family at the First Baptist Church in Waynesville, MO. The couple shared 39 wonderful years of marriage together. Most friends and family refer to their relationship as more of a soul-mate partnership rather than just a marriage. The couple was blessed with 2 children; Rebecca (Becci) and Hans Jr. (Wally). Walt also had a son in a previous marriage, Michael Miller. Proudly serving 27 years in the United States Army, and a veteran of the Vietnam War, he spent the majority of his career in Field Artillery. He was a well-respected soldier and although asked to apply for the highest ranked position available in the United States Army, Walt was ready to retire in 1989 as Command Sergeant Major. He earned several accolades and awards during his tenure as a soldier, including both the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm (unit) as well as the prestigious Honorable Order of Saint Barbara. Walt had an undeniable talent as a Wood smith and truly enjoyed projects around the house. He had a love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. From supporting them at sporting events to sitting the grandkids on his lap while he took the riding lawn mower for a lap around the yard, as long as he had them close, he was happy. His sense of humor was dry, and many friends and family have wonderful memories of practical jokes he had shared with them throughout the years. In addition, frequent road trips provided a plethora of memories and vivid stories that are built to last. Walt went home to be with the Lord on the morning of December 1st, 2009. He passed peacefully in his home, at 66 years old. Walt will be sadly missed, and fondly remembered by his wife Bonnie. He had 3 children: Rebecca Harrison and her husband Paul Harrison, and their 2 children Michael and Hali Harrison, all residing in Springfield, MO; Hans Walter Schafer, Jr. and his wife Suzie Schafer, and their children Kyle and Sierra, all residing in Virginia Beach, VA; Michael Miller and his wife Ada Miller, and their children Adalis and Grace, all residing in Buffalo, NY. Funeral services with military honors were held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 4, 2009 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Chaplain (CPT) Jeffrey Wirick officiating. Walt’s son, Hans, Jr., recalled his wonderful memories of his father and gave a toast to his father’s memory. The songs “Island of Love”, “Goodnite, Sweetheart, Goodnite” and “Elvira” were played. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Walt Schafer and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

CSM (Ret) Hans Walter Schafer, Sr.

December 15, 1942 - December 1, 2009