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William "Bill" John Schaefer, 97 of Follansbee, WV, WWII Navy Veteran, Former Mayor of Follansbee, Proud West Virginia Man, Businessman, Volunteer, Bee Keeper and Sailor entered eternal rest on December 19, 2024 while at Weirton Medical Center with his loved ones and his devoted wife by his side.
Bill was born on July 26, 1927 in Follansbee, WV to the late William M. and Agatha I. (Fitzgerald) Schaefer. Also preceded in death by a son, William M. Schaefer (Laurel).
Bill graduated from Follansbee High School as Editor of the school newspaper, "The Ingot."
Upon graduation, he proudly went on to enlist in the United States Navy (Amphibious Forces) during WWII with Medals of the American Theatre of War, the WWII Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.
Bill graduated from the College of Steubenville, Cum Laude and attended W & J College. He also attended Illinois Benedictive College, where he studied Theology. He became a Deacon at St. John the Baptist Church, Illinois.
He retired from Wheeling Pittsburgh Steel Corp, after 41 years as an Executive Steel Salesman and former President of Gateway Steel Company.
He was a former Mayor of Follansbee, Commander of the Emry's Watkins American Legion Post #45 in Follansbee, served on Memorial Squad, Chairman of the Quincivitans Club and the City of Follansbee Tree Committee USA, Officer of the St. Vincent De Paul Society, in Illinois and member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the American Iron and Steel Institute.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Teresa (Koch) Schaefer and his five children, Erich E. (Laura) Schaefer, Kurt A. Schaefer, Karl J. (Karra) Schaefer, Lincoln J. (Sarah) Schaefer and Adelle M. Schaefer, MD and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Visitation on Friday, Dec 27 from 3-7 PM and Sat., Dec, 28, 10 AM till Service at 11 AM at the James Funeral Home, Follansbee, WV (304)527-1717 with Reverend Wright, Presiding. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Follansbee, WV, with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation at www,garysinisefounda tion.org. Please add or view condolences, photos and stories at www.chambersand james.com