Robert William Schafer

November 22, 1915 - March 1, 2011

Bob passed away at home with his wife by his side. In his words, he lived a full and rich life.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to William A. and Ida C. Schafer. On August 16, 1953 Bob married Helene L. Hurd of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and they celebrated 57 1/2 years of marriage. Bob was a true patriot and hero having served his country honorably in the United States Army. Notably, during WWII he advanced across Germany and linked up with the Soviet Army; served on the Army General Staff in the Pentagon; battalion commander in Korea; Field Artillery instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania; commander of the Army Missile Air Defense of the New York City Metropolitan Area; Defense Attache in the United States Embassy in West Germany; and Chief of Staff of the Army Weapons Command at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. Bob's Army career spanned 30 years and he retired in 1970 in the rank of colonel. Next, Bob pursued a career as City Manager in Kettering, Ohio and Eaton, Ohio. He followed that with Adjunct Professor of Political Science in Ohio, Oklahoma and Colorado. Bob served his community well in all aspects of his life as Troop Scout Master with his son's Boy Scout Troops, 57 years active church service as lector and chalice bearer, 50+ years of membership in the Masonic Order, and active in the Shrine Legion of Honor since 1993 up until recent years.

He is survived by his wife, Helene Schafer of Colorado Springs and their five children; Bill Schafer (son) his wife Maryann, Helene Huff (daughter) her husband John, Cyndi Marietta (daughter) her husband Rick, Cara Falcon (daughter) her husband Oscar, and Roberta Loughman (daughter). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, one great-grandson and two nephews. It would be only right to say the Bob is also survived by the congregation of St. George's Anglican Church and specifically the 80906 Group. After all they are family too. Bob was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Massey Loughman; sister, Alice Abbott; brother-in-law, Paul Abbott and his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 5, 2011 at St. George's Anglican Church, 2760 Fieldstone Road, Colorado Springs 80919 with the Reverend Donald Armstrong III presiding. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Shrine Hospital, c/o Legion of Honor, PO Box 9997, Colorado Springs, CO 80932; St. George's Anglican Church or goodies taken to the Mesa Hills Fire Station #16.

Robert was a member of the marching band in 1936 and 1937. He played baritone.