Martin Larry Schafer Jr.

Martin Lawrence (Larry) Schafer, 89, of Hot Springs Village, AR was called to his heavenly home on August 22, 2019. He was born May 13, 1930 in Canton, Missouri to the late Martin Lawrence Schafer and Jennie Isabel Reiter. Larry graduated from Canton High School and Culver Stockton College in Canton, MO with a Bachelor’s of Business degree. He joined the army and served in Korea before being honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Soon after returning home he married Barbara Sue Allen on August 15, 1954. Larry began working for SS Kresge, which later became K-Mart, starting in the stock room and working his way up to district manager. Upon retirement in 1988 they moved to Hot Springs Village, AR. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and traveling in their camper. Larry was very involved at Barcelona Road Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and the mission’s director. He was also active in missions outside of his church including service on the board of Jackson House and Good Sam Ministries in Hot Springs, as well as work with Habitat for Humanity. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Barbara, and five children: Cynthia (Ron) Fritts of Valrico, Fl, Craig (Sue) Schafer of Wausau WI, Dan (Sarah) Schafer of Wausau, WI, Lisa (Paul) Roberts of Tyler, TX, David (Dannie) Schafer of Columbia, MO. Thirteen grandchildren: Nicci, Nathan, Ryan, Matt, Nick, Matthew, Josh, Dylan, CJ, Kyle, Jonathan, Hannah, Jake and 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters Betty, Gladys, & Norma Jean. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, August 30th followed by the funeral at 10:00 a.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler, TX. Reverends Pike Wisner and Casey Cockrell officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Cedar Vale Cemetery in Hot Springs Village, AR at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st, with reverends Jon Stubblefield and Elton Gray officiating. Pallbearers are grandsons Nathan Fritts, Ryan Schafer, Matt M. Schafer, Nick Schafer, Matthew K. Schafer, Josh Roberts, Dylan Schafer, CJ Schafer, Kyle Roberts and Jake Roberts. Honorary pallbearers are remaining grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Barcelona Road Baptist Church in Hot Springs Village, AR or Heart to Heart Hospice in Tyler, TX.

Martin Larry Schafer Jr.

May 13, 1930 - August 22, 2019