Chris Schafer

Chris Schafer age 53, a resident of Taos, passed away peacefully June 9, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his father Donald Schafer; maternal grandfather Eugene Brown; paternal grandmother Dorothy Fanning; and maternal great-uncle Ronnie Kaye Guinn. 

Chris was special from the day he was born. As he grew, his talents grew with him. If he couldn’t pronounce words, he made them up… If he couldn’t pronounce your name, you got a new one. He was full of love and acceptance for everyone he met. He was curious about everything he saw and many times would take things apart, just to see how they worked, which sometimes was a great challenge for his parents and his older brother. He began painting about the age of 4 when his mother taught him and he loved it, but could make some pretty awful messes. He laughed easily and smiled a beautiful smile that would light up his face. He faced hardships with his health from bone fractures to illnesses that would put him in the hospital, but he never complained. Over his lifetime he suffered over 150 bone fractures and always bounced back, saying, “I be strong!” As he got older, his mother worked with him and his art. He fell in love with painting rocks and many many people have been recipients of his frogs, ladybugs, bumblebees and other little critters. He loved stuffed animals and named them all. They all had personalities and talked to him. A little racoon is going with him, named Lizzly. Chris depended on Lizzly and his special baby blanket to comfort him. He would tuck them in beside him when he slept. He was kind and considerate to all, always interested in what they were doing and how their families were. This special gentle soul has gone from our presence into a better one. One with his Dad and all the family gone on before him. A new life absent of pain and disability. We shall miss you forever dear Chris.

He is survived by his mother Kathryn Brown; brother Stacy Schafer (Coleen), niece Amber Schafer (Travis); great-nieces and nephew Natalie Schafer, Eli Schafer, Ayla Schafer; aunt Carla March (Scott), uncle Terry Schafer, uncle David Brown (Barb), aunt Roberta Jones, aunt Jacque Toney (Jerry) and many loving relatives and cherished friends. 

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 14 , 2024 from 2pm to 3pm in the Evergreen Chapel of DeVargas Funeral Home.  Burial will be held in Dodge City, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome. 

The family of Chris Schafer has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com