Edward Schafer

Edward Louis Schafer, 71, of Scott City died Sunday, April 2, 2017, at his home.

He was born Feb 12, 1946, at the old Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau. His parents were George Nicholas Schafer and Clara Maria Miller Schafer. Ed was baptized at St. Mary's Cathedral.

Ed graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1964. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1967. He achieved the rank of engineman second class aboard the USS Rockville.

Ed trained as a civilian pilot and completed his certifications for private, instrument, commercial, instructor pilot, instrument instructor, multi-engine and air transport pilot. Ed worked as a charter pilot and flight instructor, using the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport as his home airport. Ed accumulated over 46,000 hours of flight time. His favorite types of planes to fly were the Barron and the Aero Commander.

He is survived by three brothers, their wives and families: William and Clara Schafer, Thomas and Karen Schafer and Robert and Shirlene Schafer.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Ann Schafer.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Interment will be at noon Thursday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with military rites by the Missouri Honors Team.

Memorial donation to honor Ed can be made to the St. Louis Fisher House, P.O. Box 998, Fenton, MO 63026.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.