John Edgar Schafer

July 8, 1944 - November 22, 2023

John Edgar Schafer, 79, of Bartlett, TN, died on November 22, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital in Bartlett. He was born on July 8, 1944 in Junction City, KS to Frank and Mary (Schuster) Schafer. He was the fifth child of six siblings.

John graduated from St. Xavier’s High School in Junction City, KS as the valedictorian in 1962. He received a B.A. in Biology from St. Edwards University, and a M.S. in Biology and a Ph.D. in Science Education with a specialization in Molecular Microbiology from Purdue University.

In 1980, John embarked on a lifelong journey of love when he married the love of his life, Deborah Schafer (Larimore), and together, they shared 43 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Garrett (Nikkie) Dunnewold of Cordova, TN and Austin (Jennifer) Schafer of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a loving grandparent to Benjamin and John (J.J.) Schafer, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Professionally, John dedicated his life to the field of science education at both the high school and university levels. He was a member of a Catholic religious community— the Brothers of the Holy Cross — for 13 years, where he taught in Austin, TX, and Mountain View and Long Beach, CA. Later, after his time with the Holy Cross brothers, he was a graduate teaching assistant at Purdue University, an assistant professor of biology at Dickinson State University, and a professor of biology at Christian Brothers University, where he inspired countless students with his passion for teaching.

John will be remembered as a kind, loving, and gentle person. His faith-filled life was evident in his everyday actions and the way he served others. He was a devoted husband and father, and his warm smile, infectious laughter, and peaceful nature touched the lives of all who knew him. He was as an avid reader of history and religious literature, enjoyed doing his own yard-work, took a keen interest in UFOs, and he accompanied his wife, Deborah, as a groupie and helper with ukulele musical engagements with MUFM - Musical Ukulele Flash Mob and HN40 - the Hawaiian North 40.

John Edgar Schafer is survived by his wife, Deborah Schafer, his sons, Garrett Dunnewold and Austin Schafer, grandsons Benjamin and John (J.J.) Schafer, and sisters JoAnn LaBarge and Alma Moyer, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Schafer (Schuster), his brothers Lawrence and Francis Schafer, and his sister Gladys Wensel.

A wake and viewing will be held at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Bartlett, TN, from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 with music and a Catholic rosary at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 with a viewing before the Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bartlett, TN. Burial at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens following the Mass, and a reception will be held at 1:30 p.m. after the burial at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Ann Catholic Church, Bartlett, TN or Catholic Relief Services. The Schafer family would like to express their gratitude to all their family and friends for their support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Ann Catholic Church, Bartlett, TN.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Schafer family.