Richard Schafer

Richard C. Schafer, 84, of Naples, FL and Springfield, formerly of Mechanicsburg, passed away at 2:13 p.m. on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at his home. Richard was born September 19, 1926 in Springfield, the son of Ernest and Louise Amrhein Schafer. He married Ruth Wood in 1947; she preceded him in death in 2005. He married MaryAlice Kennedy in 2007. Richard was an owner of E.L. Schafer & Sons, the Anheuser Busch Distributors in Springfield for many years before retiring in 1982. He also farmed in the Mechanicsburg area for many years. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Schafer; brothers, Joseph and Robert Schafer; and sisters, Ernestine Schafer, Clarissa Maher, Margaret Link and Louise Tobin. He is survived by his wife, MaryAlice of Springfield; son, E. Richard (wife, Jane) Schafer of Dunedin, FL; daughters, Mary (husband, Danny) Coker of Springfield, Linda (husband, Ken) Douglas of Naples, FL, Kristine Brockhagen of Dallas, TX and Kathleen (husband, Mark) Brenner of Northbrook; step-children, Jane Kennedy of New Orleans, LA, Sallie (husband, Scott) Fulwiler of Tinley Park, John (wife, Karin) Kennedy of Plainfield, Maureen (husband, Ron) Hoover of Taylorville and Amy (husband, Paul) Koziel of Indian Head Park; twenty-four grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; sister, Marcella Pipkin of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends from 9:00-10:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut St., Springfield, with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. David J. Hoefler celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home is in charge of Springfield arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to: Memorial Home Services, Attn: Donations and Giving, 720 North Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702-9914 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 2001 S. Lindberg Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131-3597.