Raymond Michael "Mike" Schaefer, 80, husband of the former Bettie Beisler, died Nov. 8, 2018. He was born June 28, 1938. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Henry and Doris Bailey Schaefer and an infant sister, Bonnie. He was also preceded by his only great grandchild, Shayla Marie Williams.
Mike was retired after 44 years from Cissell Manufacturing Company, and was a Vietnam veteran (Army), having served as one of the first soldiers on the ground beginning March, 1962.
Anyone who knew Mike knew one of the great loves of his life was baseball, specifically for the last 50 years, umpiring. Mike began umpiring before he went into the Army, and returned to it the summer after his return. He started at St. Matthews Little League and continued in various other leagues. And in 1996 became District Manager for Kentucky District 2 Little League which consisted of teams from Carrollton to E'town. He also umpired regional games in various locations in Florida and Indianapolis. In 1997, with the help of then mayor of J'town Daniel Ruckriegel, he was given the privilege of hosting the Girls Softball Regional games for the Girls World Series. From 2000-2004 he went from regional ball tournaments to the Girls World Series Softball League championship games, bringing in teams from the Phillipines, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Puerto Rico, South America, as well as teams from around the United States. In 2002 he was very proud to be District Manager at the time the Valley Sports (boys) won the Little League World Series Championship. He continued active in Little League until a health problem caused him to retire in 2009. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Little League in Williamsport, PA from 1999-2004.
In early 1973 he became a member of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and began umpiring high school ball in the Louisville area and regionals around Kentucky. He served as president of the Kentucky Baseball Umpire Association for 3 years. In 1985 he was approached about becoming the Assignment Secretary for Louisville's 7th District which included Bullitt, Oldham, Spencer and Trimble counties. He scheduled all high school baseball games and tournaments for the next 20 years. It was very challenging but it was what he loved.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, the former Bettie Beisler, his children Ric, Bonnie, Martin (of Tallahassee), Sherri & Jim Hamilton (of Sellersburg), Rusty & Anita of Shepherdsville, Susanne & Trevor Fawbush (Chicago), and Ryan Schaefer; grandchildren Jonathan & Destiny Schaefer, Brandon, Blake, Ashley, Chanel Williams, Drew and Bailey Schaefer, Bryce and Jacob Hamilton, Ethan Schaefer, Kayli and Kacy Fawbush, and Austin & Parker Schaefer.
Visitation will be 2:00 to 6:00 pm Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Home, 8519 Preston Highway, followed by a memorial service. Please visit our website www.archlheadypreston.com and leave your online condolences for the family.
