Roy Schaefer

Roy H. Schaefer, 78, of Independence, MO passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011. An informal gathering to celebrate Roy’s life will be 4-6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 2011 at The Stone Church, 1012 W. Lexington Avenue, Independence, MO 64050. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Outreach International or the charity of your choice. Roy was born August 20, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York to Henry W. and Helen (Ziegler) Schaefer. At ten years of age, the family moved to Independence, MO where he resided for the remainder of his life. Roy was a graduate of William Chrisman High School, Graceland College, and UMKC School of Dentistry. He also received his Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. After graduating from dental school, he served two years in the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed in Anchorage, AK. Upon returning to Independence he practiced dentistry for ten years. In 1969 he became a full-time minister for the Community of Christ Church (RLDS). As Commissioner of Health Ministries for the church, he organized multiple medical and dental relief missions to the countries of Haiti and Honduras. He later served in the Council of Twelve. This role led him to minister throughout the U.S. and many foreign countries. Roy loved his community and took an active role in many service organizations. Among them were Community Service League, Habitat for Humanity and Ministerial Alliance. He also served as a member of the Harry S Truman Public Service Award Commission. Dr. Schaefer is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn (Keiper) Schaefer; son David A. Schaefer and wife Melissa; daughter Nan L. Kohler and husband Christopher; by his beloved granddaughter Danielle Schaefer; cousin Elsie (Schaefer) Hight and husband Tom.