Robert Donald Schaefer

Bob unexpectedly passed away at home in Tacoma, WA. on 9/13/2015 at the age of 67. His faithful loving Bella girl was by his side. Born in St. Louis, Mo. on 8/30/1948 and lovingly adopted by Lewis and Edna Schaefer at birth, Bob was preceded in death by both parents, and sister Carol Schaefer. Bob was hometown proud, (Go Cards !) and was a huge lover of baseball. The Blue Angels, military aircraft, all airplanes in general were a passion of his, and he loved to see them fly overhead. Staff Sergeant Robert D. Schaefer received an honorable discharge from the Air Force after serving in the Vietnam War. Loadmaster on a AC-47 "Spooky," he flew hundreds of missions in combat, and later on the AC-141 and was a devout patriot. Travelling to historical battlefields and attending airshows were some of his favorite past times. He loved Our Country and his family with all that he had in him. Bob spent much time, and made life plans with girlfriend Kathy Lickteig. Later in life, he located his biological brother, Jim Yearby, and was able to spend time with him. They got to rib one another whatever game happened to be on, this was a highlight for him in his later years. Bob is survived by 3 children, Kim Schaefer of Oregon, Nile Plouffe of Oregon, and Zach Schaefer of California. A 4th child preceded him in death, son Robert M. Schaefer. Bob was previously married then divorced of Kellie Jo Schaefer, and of Kathy Lou Schaefer. Bob was a loving grandparent to 3 girls, Marisa Taylor of Chinook, Washington, Jasmin Schaefer of Portland, Oregon, and Leticia "Tess" Schaefer of Gresham, Oregon. He also was very proud Great -Grampa. (yes, the spelling is correct per Bob :) ) "The little guys" are Malachi Matthew-Robert Taylor 10 yrs, Zechariah Michael Taylor 6 yrs, and Isaiah Jaymes Taylor 4 months, all of Chinook Washington with parents Marisa and Brian Taylor. He never failed to take an opportunity to read them stories, show them how to navigate maps, impress the importance of education, and HAVE FUN ! The grand kids hold special memories of some of his teaching styles, such as fractions being learned by slicing tomatoes into sections, and having to navigate the map to get them from point A to point B before the trip started. He also shared with the grand kids his journey in earning his Bachelors Degree. His unique and thoughtful approach to teaching will always be remembered. His love, wisdom, knowledge, funny witty remarks and wiseacre attitude will forever be held within our hearts. He is so very loved and missed.