Obituary of Edward Schafer

Edward Schafer, 97, passed away on Saturday February 25, 2023, at his home in Sun City Center Florida.

Pastor Ed was born December 17, 1925, in Hazel Park Michigan, to William and Flossie Schafer. Preceded in death by his parents, sisters Irene, Theresa, Edna, and brother Bill. He is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Joanne (Dennis) Watson and Carol Corcoran; 8 amazing grandchildren (Rebecca, Laura, Heidi, Joy, Danny, Christine, Melody, Carrie) and 25 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

After serving in WWII Ed returned to Detroit to finish high school, and then attended Moody Bible Institute where he met his beloved wife, Judy. After graduating from Moody and Northern Baptist Seminary in Chicago he began his ministry as a pastor. He had a calling to plant and help smaller churches within the Baptist General Conference and started the Cornerstone Family Church in Byron Illinois. He then served congregations in Illinois, South Dakota, Indiana, and Florida, finally coming to Sun City Center as associate pastor at Trinity Baptist. He “officially” retired from ministry at age 90.

Pastor Ed had a heart for family camp, leading congregational singing, visiting the sick and shut-in (he held services at Plaza West for over 20 years). He was a Kiwanis member, served boards of the Baptist General Conference. But his family will always remember him as a prayer warrior: he prayed every morning and evening for his family, praying for each by name.  

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church in Sun City Center, Florida, at 2pm on Monday March 6^th, 2023. A military honor service will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery in May. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Timothy Initiative at www.ttionline.org