Michael Mathew Schaefer

Michael Mathew Schaefer, 62, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 30, 2025, in Winnsboro, Texas. He was born in Dallas, Texas, to Charles Andrew Schaefer and Donna Carol (Meeks) Schaefer on February 18, 1963. Known as “Mike” to family and friends, he lived a full life on his terms, yet he was taken from us too soon after a brief battle with cancer.

Mike was known as a kind person, one who was willing to lend a hand and go the extra mile for family

and friends. He had a particularly soft spot for pets and children, and he delighted in play with his nephews and niece. Mike earned a degree in Business Administration from North Texas University in 1985, and he spent most of his working life with Plano ISD and Winnsboro ISD. He will be greatly missed by his coworkers and students.

Mike applied his athletic gifts to a lifelong study and commitment to Martial Arts and Boxing, achieving the status of Black Belt, 3 rd Degree in Goju-Ryu Karate. A self-described “collector”, Mike’s intelligence and meticulous nature lead to hobbies in numismatics, geology and exotic pets, of which he enjoyed immensely. However, his most meaningful “collection” was that of great friends. He maintained strong connections with his Kappa Alpha Fraternity Brothers, fellow karate enthusiasts, and work friends.

Mike was diagnosed early this year with an aggressive form of cancer, and he faced his battle with courage and determination. Mike had a strong Christian faith, and he knew he was going to be in the Lord’s arms after his time on earth.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Donna, and his grandmother Florence Reinhart

Schaefer.

He is survived by his loving family, sister Lorie Schaefer Grinnan (husband Jeff), brother Derick D. Schaefer (wife Claudia), nephews and niece Nicholas Grinnan (wife Jenna), Kimberly Grinnan Kelley (husband Matt), and Sebastian Schaefer. In addition, Mike is also survived by his Aunt Janice Schaefer Weisbarth (Cleveland, OH) and Uncle Gary Schaefer (Seattle, WA), as well as Cousins Thomas and David Weisbarth, and Second Cousin David Weisbarth, Ralph Yoas, and great nieces and nephews.

The Family is forever grateful to the many caregivers and friends who aided Mike in his final journey,

with above and beyond efforts to provide comfort:

Elara Hospice (Jessica, Carrie, Angie, Stacy, John and Andrea), Titus Regional Medical Center doctors and nurses, Winnsboro ISD, and finally Lakeview Rehab Center in Winnsboro. His “second family” Randi and Buddy Weaver, Lori (Weaver) Vermeer and Cliff Vermeer provided such gracious support to Mike, along with all the well wishes from family and friends.

A celebration of Life service will be held at a later date, to be announced on the Beaty Funeral Home

website.