TAOS, NEW MEXICO - Chris Schafer, age 53, a resident of Taos, passed away peacefully June 9, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Schafer; maternal grandfather, Eugene Brown; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Fanning; and maternal great-uncle, Ronnie Kaye Guinn.

Chris was special from the day he was born. As he grew, his talents grew with him. If he couldn't pronounce words, he made them up… If he couldn't pronounce your name, you got a new one. He was full of love and acceptance for everyone he met. He was curious about everything he saw and many times would take things apart, just to see how they worked, which sometimes was a great challenge for his parents and his older brother. He began painting about the age of 4 when his mother taught him and he loved it, but could make some pretty awful messes. He laughed easily and smiled a beautiful smile that would light up his face. He faced hardships with his health from bone fractures to illnesses that would put him in the hospital, but he never complained. Over his lifetime he suffered over 150 bone fractures and always bounced back, saying, "I be strong!" As he got older, his mother worked with him and his art. He fell in love with painting rocks and many many people have been recipients of his frogs, ladybugs, bumblebees and other little critters. He loved stuffed animals and named them all. They all had personalities and talked to him. A little racoon is going with him, named Lizzly. Chris depended on Lizzly and his special baby blanket to comfort him. He would tuck them in beside him when he slept. He was kind and considerate to all, always interested in what they were doing and how their families were. The special gentle soul has gone from our presence into a better one. One with his Dad and all the family gone on before him. A new life absent of pain and disability. We shall miss you forever dear Chris.

He is survived by his mother, Kathryn Brown; brother, Stacy Schafer (Coleen), niece, Amber Schafer (Travis); great-nieces and nephew, Natalie Schafer, Eli Schafer, Ayla Schafer; aunt, Carla March (Scott), uncle, Terry Schafer, uncle, David Brown (Barb), aunt, Roberta Jones, aunt, Jacque Toney (Jerry) and many loving relatives and cherished friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Fr. Wesley Schawe officiating.  Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City.  Visitation will be Wednesday from noon to 8:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel.