Thomas Elmer Schafer,

Age 69, formerly of Elm Street, Fort Loramie, passed away peacefully of natural causes late Sunday evening, December 7, 2025, at Elmwood Assisted Living in New Bremen, Ohio, where he had been a resident for two and ½ years.  He was born September 23, 1956, in Sidney, Ohio, to the late Elmer & Martha (Barker) Schafer.  Surviving are three brothers: Frank & Kathy Schafer, Dale & Sandy Schafer and Randy & Kathy Schafer, all of Fort Loramie; ten nieces and nephews: Amy & John Schrimpf, Molly & Ryan Stitsinger, Ben & Lebi Schafer, Tracy & Keith Dapore, Danielle & Mike Heuker, Andy & Holly Schafer, Tony & Angie Schafer, Kelly & Mark Rindler, Kara & Jeremy Morris and Kristin & Adam Miller as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Mr. Schafer was a 1974 graduate of Fort Loramie High School.  He went on to study business administration at The University of Toledo.  In 2020, Tom retired from the Schafer Oil Company in Fort Loramie where he had been part owner and operator.  He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Newport Sportsman’s Club and a past member of Arrowhead Golf Club of Minster.  Over the years, he had been an active supporter of Fort Loramie area athletic, civic and scholarship initiatives.  In his leisure, Tom enjoyed playing cards, league bowling, visiting casinos and especially horse racing.  He also owned race horses.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Friday, December 12, 2025, at St. Michael Church in Fort Loramie with Rev. Mark Bredestege and Deacon Paul Timmerman presiding.  Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.  Family and friends may call Thursday, 4:00 to 7:00 PM and Friday, 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie.  Memorials may be made to Grand Lake Hospice or charities of choice.  Private condolences may be expressed at the gehretfuneralhome.com website.