Joe Schaefer

Joe Dudley (JD) "Pap-Paw" Schaefer, 94, born July 18, 1921 in Webster County, Mississippi to Antley Joseph and Thera Doshie Schaefer, passed away at his home on Monday, July 11, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Being raised in Mississippi, there he met the everlasting love of his life Edna Lucille (Lucy) Mullen and were married 72 years. He came to Texas with Lucy in 1952 and has lived in Brazoria County ever since. His biggest accomplishment was raising 9 children and several grandchildren. He was a World War II Navy Veteran, retired from Dow Chemical with 30 plus years of service. He was Grand Marshall of Sweeny Pride Day in 2012 and A Home Town Hero of Brazoria County Fair in 2012. Serving on the USS Bon Homme Richard, he looked forward annually attending his Navy Ship Reunion. He was a true man of Honor who loved his country and lived life to the fullest. He loved to tell stories to anyone that would listen.

Funeral services will be held 10:00am, Friday, July 15, 2016 at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia with Brother David Pate and Brother Thomas Lester officiating. Burial will follow at Sweeny Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday evening at Baker Funeral Home in West Columbia from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Michael and Richie Jenkins, Jason and Bart Sheffield, Brandon Downs and Brian Schaefer. Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons, David Cooke, Jonathan Downs, Joey Schaefer, Jimmie Stewart, Jr., Dwayne Jenkins, Brian Szatkowski, Kenchen Schaefer and Shane Schaefer.

He is survived by his sons, Joe Schaefer (Brigitte) of Wiesbaden, Germany; Buddy Schaefer (Betty) of Brazoria and Jerry Schaefer of Brazoria; daughters, Dolly Hood of Eupora, MS; Sara Stewart (Jim) of Shady Acres; Gloria Jenkins of Rosharon; Bettie Szatkowski (Ron) of Youngstown, NY and Tina Sheffield (Joey) of Sweeny; 26 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, 1 brother, Tom Schaefer and 1 sister, Lorene Cummins, both of MS.

He is preceded in death by his wife Lucille Schaefer; his son, Ronnie Dwight Schaefer, 2 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Shady Acres, P. O. Box 463, Brazoria, Texas 77422 or IPH Hospice, 190 Abner-Jackson Parkway, Suite 210 Lake Jackson, Texas 77566 or charity of your choice.

To his family, Pap-Paw's memories and wisdom are a precious legacy, that will be in our hearts forever!

The Family would like to give a special thanks to all caregivers from IPH Home Health Care and Hospice Care for the care and love they showed to our father and to his grandson, David Cooke who cared for him for the past couple of years.

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