Donald Leroy Schafer
- jennie2409
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Donald Leroy Schafer of Latah, Washington passed away January 16, 2026. He was born in Spokane, Washington on October 16, 1931, to Leslie Roy and Anna Marie (Erickson) Schafer. He lived in Spokane until the age of twelve when his father purchased a farm near Latah, Washington. He graduated high school in Latah in 1951. He attended Washington State College (aka WSU) for several semesters and was a walk on freshmen basketball player before he was drafted and served in the Army 3rd Infantry Division, Rock of the Marne, from January, 1953 until his homecoming in late December, 1954, then was in the reserves until March, 1961.
Don married his high school sweetheart Lylla Farrelly on August 31, 1952. His 1st daughter was born while he was on board ship heading across the international dateline to serve in Korea. After returning from Korea Don attended Spokane Trade School (aka SCC) and studied architecture, he also worked at Kaiser Aluminum to support his young family. He then returned to Latah to help his father farm. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, prospecting, being involved with the VFW post in Rockford #7815 and loved being with family and friends.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, 1st wife Lylla in 2015 and his 2nd wife Hermoyne (Miller) Helton in 2024. His Sister JoAnn (Don) Tornquist in 2009 and brother Gary Schafer (Lynn) 2021.
He is survived by his daughters Sylvia (Douglas) Marshall of Spokane Valley, Shannon (Steven) Martensen and Jodi Schafer both of Latah, Sons Scott (Kelly) of Spokane and John (Karleen) of Latah, 13 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather for a service, followed by a potluck to celebrate Don’s life on February 7th, 11:00 am at Latah Country Bible Church, 411 N Pine St, Latah, WA 99018
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