Burl Robert Schafer

McMinnville, TN resident and Gary, IN native Burl Robert Schafer, age 73, was born May 7, 1942 and died January 19, 2016 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville, TN following an extended illness. A retired driver for Med-Ride, a United States Army veteran, member of Martin City Masonic Lodge #551 in Martin, TN, member of the American Legion Post 173, and member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, he was the son of the late Robert and Melba Ross Schafer. He was married October 30, 2006 to Mary Wilson Schafer of McMinnville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Tina Fletcher of Como, TN, Barbara Bizik of Valparaiso, IN and Ken Schafer of California; seven grandchildren, Callie Vaughn, Jeff Vaughn, Tristin Fletcher, Brenden Fletcher, Christina Homan, Ashley Koney and Scott Combs; four great-grandchildren; four step-children, Mike Satterfield and John Satterfield both of McMinnville, Cathy Mullins of the Centertown Community, and Manda Morris of Cumberland Heights, TN; four step-grandchildren, Curtis Mullins, Cole Mullins, Emma Kern and Mily Morris; two step-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sandra Trafficanto of Hutchinson, KS and Nancy Schichnar of DeMotte, IN; several half-siblings; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 in High's Chapel with Harley Roth officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory Cemetery with military honors administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday and from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday at High's.