Richard F. Schafer age 68 of Holton, Kansas went to be with His Lord and Savior on March 4, 2019 at 8:21 p.m. at the Onaga Community Hospital.  He suffered a stroke which followed with complications. He has gone to receive his reward in heaven.   

Richard was born to John and Dorothy (Knipp) Schafer in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 12, 1950 at 10:36 a.m.  He was baptized October 21, 1958.  He went to Manhattan Christian College where he met his wife, Anita.

Richard has been blessed with the gift of recognizing the gifts of others, he was an encourager.  He was a teacher, he delighted in the magic of childhood and a great dessert.  He pastored his flock as though each one was his own family.  He trusted the Lord through many dark valleys and he held fast to the light of hope.

Richard is survived by his mother, Dorothy (Knipp) Schafer of Holton, Kansas; devoted wife, Anita Schafer of Holton, Kansas; three children, Aaron (Jessica) Schafer of Olathe, Kansas; Elisabeth (Ross) Edwards of Elkhorn, Nebraska; Joanna Schafer of St. Louis, Missouri; 4 grandchildren, Jensyn and Cohen Schafer, Elias and Mae Edwards; his brother, John (Janet) Schafer of Soldier, Kansas and his nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, John D. Schafer.

Funeral Services will be held March 9, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton, Kansas. Interment will follow in Vermillion Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Circleville Christian Church. Memorials may be given to the Circleville Christian Church Summer Scholarship Fund c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.