F. David Schaeffer, 96, of Westminster, MD, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 surrounded by his loving family at Brightview Westminster Ridge in Westminster.  Born June 9, 1920 in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Noah Luther and Elizabeth Gilmore (Slagle) Schaeffer.  He was the husband of Hilda M. “Bobbye” (McDaniel) Schaeffer, to whom he was married for 72 years.

            David graduated from Mercersburg Academy in 1937 with Cum Laude honors.  While attending Gettysburg College, he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and was selected to join the Phi Beta Kappa Society.  He graduated in 1941 earning a B.A. degree in Economics with Magna Cum Laude honors.

            Upon graduation from Gettysburg College, David received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army from his ROTC training.  He trained at various Army camps, including Camp Van Dorn, MS, where he met his future wife, Bobbye McDaniel of Baton Rouge, LA, at a USO dance.  While training with the 63rd Infantry Division, David was ordered to report to the Tenth Army at Fort Sam Houston, TX to train for the invasion of Okinawa toward the end of World War II.  He remained in the Army Reserve as Lt. Colonel until 1953.  He was a member of Westminster American Legion Post 31 and VFW Post 467.         

            David was co-owner of the former Schaeffer Lumber Company in Westminster, a business that he opened with his father and brother in 1946.  He enjoyed playing golf, traveling, gardening, and spending time with his family.

            Surviving in addition to his wife, are daughter, Dianne S. Bennett and husband Michael of Taneytown; sons, David “Mac” Schaeffer and wife Mary Ellen Melchiorre of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and Lloyd Schaeffer and wife Cindy of Gettysburg, PA; grandsons, Jason Bennett and wife Laura of Westminster, and Matthew Schaeffer and wife Kimberly of Chantilly, VA; great-granddaughters, Brooke and Mackenzie Bennett, and Jaiden and Kennedy Schaeffer; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by brother, Edgar A. Schaeffer, and grandsons, Daniel and Steven Schaeffer.

            A Funeral Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 91 Willis Street, Westminster, MD with the Rev. Kevin Clementson officiating.  Interment will follow at Kriders Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 21 Carroll St, Westminster, MD, 21157, or to the charity of one’s choice. 

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