Walter Howard Schaeffer, 94, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021 after a glorious family hymn sing at Frederick Living, Zieglerville, PA. Born and living most of his life in Pottstown, PA, he was the son of the late Norman H. and Margaret E. (Binder) Schaeffer. He was the loving husband of Ruth M. (Mock) Schaeffer.
Walter graduated from Pottstown High School in 1944. As the center fielder, he and his brother Ray helped the Pottstown Trojans baseball team win the 1994 Chester-Montgomery Baseball League Championship. He enlisted in World War II and deployed to the 8th Army in the Philippines. He was a technician 4th grade sergeant. After V-J Day, Walter was stationed at the 8th Army General Headquarters in Yokohama, Japan.
After returning home from the war, he married his sweetheart Ruth Mock. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on December 9, 2020.
Walter worked for 40 years in the Plastics Division of Firestone Tire & Rubber and then Occidental in Pottstown. He was a member of the Birdsboro Church of the Nazarene for 70 years. He served as the Sunday School Superintendent for almost three decades and later became the Visitation Lay Minister for those unable to attend church.
One of Walter’s greatest joys was singing church hymns and choruses, both in the church choir or wherever he was. He also enjoyed following the Phillies, gardening, and doing puzzles.
Surviving along with his wife are his son Dr. Kim W. Schaeffer, husband of Michelle of San Diego, CA; daughters Diane R. Fair, wife of Paul of Birdsboro and Cathy R. Hedegard, wife of Chris of Douglassville, PA; brother Raymond Schaeffer of Boyertown, PA; sister Eleanor Carroll of Pottstown; granddaughter Natalie Hedegard, step-granddaughter Erica Fair and great-grandson Jaxson. He was predeceased by his brothers Linwood and Ken Schaeffer.
A viewing will be held at the Dengler Funeral Home, Inc. 144 N. Spruce St. Birdsboro, PA 19508 on Wednesday, February 17, 2021 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Interment will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of the Nazarene, 715 E 3rd St, Birdsboro, PA 19508 or FrederickLiving.org.