John Murphy Schaeffer of Buda, Texas passed away in his sleep at home on the morning of Jan. 24, 2014. John was 53 years old and had been suffering from chronic ill health for some time.
John had a 29-year career in the road and bridge construction industry in Texas. John began his career as a carpenter and rose up through the ranks as a surveyor, lead surveyor, construction manager, and estimator, leaving the industry while a senior estimator at Balfour Beatty Infrastructure in Austin, Texas.
John was an active parishioner of Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. He attended RCIA classes and taught children’s RE classes. He also volunteered on the Church Building
Committee.
John was preceded in death by his mother Kathy Schaeffer on Oct. 28 of 2013. John is survived by his wife Dawn Schaeffer, his daughter Anna Schaeffer, and his father Tom Schaeffer Sr. of Buda, Texas. John is also survived by his brother Tom Schaeffer Jr. of Nebraska and his wife Cheryl; John’s sister and brother-in law Diann and Brian Macmahon of Houston Texas; nephews Eric Schaeffer and his wife Stephanie, Kyle Schaeffer, Michael Macmahon and his wife Raquel; nieces Paige Schaeffer, Felicia Williams and Jocelyn Hayes. John is also survived by his former sister-in-law Kathleen Woodruff of New York, and by long time family friends James and Richel Cooper and their daughter Cloe of Houston Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family strongly recommends that contributions be made to St. Vincent de Paul C/O St. Louis Catholic Church 7601 Burnet Rd. Austin, Texas 78757. Please visit www.harrellfuneralhomes.com to post tributes to John.
