Robert R. Schaefer

Robert R. Schaefer, 66, of Praha died Nov. 11, 2013. He was born in Shiner to Lester C. and Ludmila (Jalufka) Schaefer on Jan. 26, 1947. He grew up in Lavaca and Fayette Counties helping out around the farm, fishing, and hunting. Robert graduated from Flatonia High School in 1965. On Feb. 1, 1966 Robert joined the Army and served in Vietnam as a Huey combat helicopter crew chief and door gunner. During his military service Robert received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 1 O/S Bar, Aircraft Crewman Badge and the Air Medal w/ Numeral 2. He was Honorably Discharged on Jan. 31, 1969. Robert married Helen Vrana on May 18, 1974, and since that date, you never saw one without the other. They hunted, fished, and raised cattle together and were also known to go on a trail ride or two. Robert was a lifetime member of the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Association and with his wife Helen, attended 25 annual meetings in many different states. He was a truck driver for Smith Farms and now Cal- Maine for over 40 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ludmila Schaefer; three brothers, James, Joseph, and Michael; and two sister-in-laws, Dorothy Schaefer and Julie Schaefer. He is survived by wife Helen Vrana Schaefer of Flatonia; three brothers, Lawrence L. Schaefer of Corpus Christi, Eugene E. Schaefer and wife Sharon of Flatonia, and Patrick P. Schaefer of Flatonia; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was held at 5

p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Rosary was recited at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha. Father Gabriel Maison  officiated. Burial followed in the St. Mary’s Catholic cemetery in Praha. Pallbearers were Ken Stryk, Chris Schaefer, Jared Vrana, David Schaefer, Eric Viktorin, Jeff Schaefer, Randy Vrana, and Felix Ramirez. Sign the guest book at www. smithfuneralhomeflatonia.com. Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia was in charge of arrangements.