Louis Edward Schaefer Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Louis E. Schaefer, Jr., a visionary leader in the offshore diving industry, a proud U.S. Navy veteran, and a beloved father, grandfather, and friend.

Louis’s career spanned more than six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the offshore diving and subsea construction industry. His journey began in 1962 as co-owner of Trident Diving in Port Aransas, Texas, a company that built diving systems and performed platform inspections and salvage work.

In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the submarine service aboard the USS Picuda SS382, where he was lead diver responsible for all diving operations. After his military service, Louis founded Schaefer Diving Company Inc. in 1970 in Freeport, Texas, providing offshore construction and fabrication services to the energy industry.

In 1986, Louis established Superior Offshore Services (SOS), which later evolved into Superior Diving Company Inc. and ultimately merged into Superior Offshore International (SOI). Under his leadership, SOI purchased the 265-foot DP II Saturation Diving Vessel, Superior Endeavour, and went public in 2007—a milestone that reflected both his entrepreneurial drive and the respect he earned across the industry.

After stepping down from SOI, Louis founded Legacy Offshore, LLC in late 2007, serving as President until 2011. Legacy Offshore continued his lifelong mission of providing clients with safe, professional, and top-quality subsea construction and fabrication services in both domestic and international markets.

Beyond his business achievements, Louis was a passionate advocate for divers’ safety. He took his fight for better protections all the way to the Supreme Court, helping to advance regulations that safeguarded the lives of countless offshore professionals.

Louis is survived by his children: James Schaefer and his wife, Liz Schaefer; James is the proud father of Jennifer Schaefer, Jessica Schaefer, Brandon Schaefer, and his stepdaughter, Abby Herring. Graham Schaefer and his wife, Kristin Schaefer, along with their children Gabriel Schaefer, Kamille Schaefer, and Koryn Schaefer. His daughter, Annie Grimes.

He is also remembered with love by his extended family, lifelong friends, and the many colleagues and countrymen whose lives he touched both in life and in legacy.

Louis’s influence continues through the industry professionals he mentored, the safer practices he championed, and most importantly, through his family, who carry forward his values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. To receive service details, please email [email protected] to be added to the notification list. The family also kindly requests that any photos you may have with Louis be shared to this email, so they can be included in honoring his memory.

Louis will be remembered as a pioneer in his field, a proud veteran, a successful businessman, and above all, a loving father and grandfather whose impact will be felt for generations to come.