Charles Edward Schaefer, 79, of Columbia, KY passed away Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Springfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born September 5,1946 in Evansville, IN to the late Raymond Paul Schaefer, Sr. and Genevieve Switzer Schaefer. He grew up in Tell City, IN and graduated in 1964 from Tell City High School. In 1968, he graduated from Brescia University with a bachelor's degree in science. He worked as a sanitarian at the health department in Owensboro, KY before entering veterinary school in 1974. He earned a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine from Purdue University in 1978.

He married Sena Muffett of Lewisport, KY on June 26, 1982. Four days later, he started his veterinary practice in Columbia, KY, where he practiced until 1999. During that time, he met many wonderful people and made lasting friendships across southern Kentucky. After selling his practice, he did relief work for other local veterinarians. In 2003, he joined the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Services as a Veterinary Medical Officer in Meat and Poultry Inspection. He finally retired in 2019.

Charles is survived by his wife, Sena; daughter, Courtney (Adam) Roy of Columbia, KY; son, Geoffrey Schaefer of Lexington, KY; grandchildren, Blake and Abby Maulden; sister, Mary (James) Basham of Owensboro, KY; and brother, Kenny (Regina) Schaefer of Tell City, IN; a sister-in-law Cathy Schaefer of Tell City, IN.

Preceding him in death are his parents and brothers, William Clay Schaefer and Raymond Paul Schaefer, Jr.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 4:00-8:00pm at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home in Columbia, KY.

A funeral mass will be at 11:00am on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the St Paul Catholic Church at 824 Jefferson St. Tell City, IN 47586, with visitation starting at 9:00am at the church. Burial will be in St Mary's Catholic Cemetery.