Charles Edward Schaefer, 79, of Columbia, KY passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Springfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born September 5,1946 in Evansville, IN to the late Raymond Paul Schaefer, Sr. and Genevieve Switzer Schaefer.
He grew up in Tell City, IN and graduated in 1964 from Tell City High School. In 1968, he graduated from Brescia University with a bachelor’s degree in science. He worked as a sanitarian at the health department in Owensboro, KY before entering veterinary school in 1974. He earned a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from Purdue University in 1978.
He married Sena Muffett of Lewisport, KY on June 26, 1982. Four days later, he started his veterinary practice in Columbia, KY, where he practiced until 1999. During that time, he met many wonderful people and made lasting friendships across southern Kentucky. After selling his practice, he did relief work for other local veterinarians. In 2003, he joined the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Services as a Veterinary Medical Officer in Meat and Poultry Inspection. He finally retired in 2019.
SURVIVORS:
His wife: Sena Schaefer of Columbia, KY
1 daughter: Courtney (Adam) Roy of Columbia, KY
1 son: Geoffrey Schaefer of Lexington, KY
2 grandchildren: Blake and Abby Maulden
1 sister: Mary (James) Basham of Owensboro, KY
1 brother: Kenny (Regina) Schaefer of Tell City, IN
Sister-in-law: Cathy Schaefer of Tell City, IN
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers: William Clay Schaefer and Raymond Paul Schaefer, Jr.
Visitation: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 4:00pm-8:00pmCT at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in Columbia, KY
Funeral Mass: Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11:00amCT at the St Paul Catholic Church, 824 Jefferson St. Tell City, IN
Visitation: Saturday beginning at 9:00amCT at the church
Burial: St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
