Donald Leroy Schaefer

Donald Leroy Schaefer, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at his home southeast of Emporia. He died in the house that he and his wife, Bonnie, built and made a home for over 55 years.

Don was born March 12, 1940, at Newman Hospital in Emporia, the son of Owen and Leatha (Torrens) Schaefer. He was raised south of town and spent the majority of his life in the Emporia area. As a young man, he worked on the Kenny Fuller farm north of town before finding his lifelong trade in welding.

Don became a master welder, known throughout the community as someone who could weld just about anything. He put those skills to use for many years in and around Emporia, eventually retiring from Irsik & Doll in 2005.

On October 16, 1959, Don married Bonnie Casida. In the late 1960s, they moved to their current home southeast of Emporia. Don was a man who appreciated his work and his community; in his younger years, he could often be found sharing a drink and a story with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bonnie; his son, Randy Schaefer and wife Kathy of Waverly; and three sisters, Barbara Hill of Wichita, Alva Burden of Emporia, and Eunice Wedermyer of Lyndon.

His memory lives on through his five grandchildren, Matthew, Audrey, Jesse, Emily, and Gunnar; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by numerous extended family members and a community of friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Charlotte, and his brother Ronald.

The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life service being held at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Free Will Baptist Church, 1720 E. 6th Ave., Emporia, Kansas 66801.