It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dee Jon Schafer, who left this world on August 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and inspiration. Dee Jon passed away surrounded by his family and friends after a long struggle with cancer. Though we grieve his absence, we find comfort in knowing he has been welcomed into eternal peace, reunited with cherished loved ones who passed before.

Dee Jon was born July 23, 1963, in Wilson County, Texas, to Wanda June Morris and Bennie Ronald Schafer, both of whom preceded him in death. 

He was the grandson of Joyce Edell Turner and William Carl Lee Morris, Sr., also deceased. Dee Jon was the great grandson of James Lafayette "Dee" Turner and Ada Annie Collier, who originally established the community known as Cow Creek on the county lines of Burnet and Travis. He was the namesake of his great grandfather.

Dee Jon Schafer is survived by his son Dillon Dee Schafer and his wife, Samantha, grandson Ryker, stepchildren Natasha and Dustin, sister Traci Dawn Schafer-Sadler, stepsister, Robin Humphreys, and brothers Chris Humphreys and Ian Schafer, in addition to his aunts Edell Morris Dodd, Patsy Morris Collins, Carla Morris, and Cindy Morris, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also preceded in death by his uncle, William Carl Lee “Sonny” Morris, Jr.

Dee Jon had a long career as an overseas and offshore pipeline welder.  He also was involved in many concrete and construction jobs over the years around the Hill Country.  As a master welder, he had been designing barbecue smokers in recent years.

His favorite hobbies included golfing, fishing, and arrowhead hunting, and he resided in Kingsland, Texas for many years.

Dee Jon loved spending time with his friends and family more than anything, and he made an impact on many people with his sense of humor and friendliness. He had a unique gift for bringing people together, for lifting others up, and for making everyone around him feel seen, heard, and valued. Whether in his personal relationships or professional life, Dee Jon led by example—always tough, always fair, and always kind to those who were kind to him. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his presence will be felt forever in the lives he touched and the stories he made of those experiences.

The family is especially grateful to one of Dee Jon’s best friends, Danny Whitaker, who became like family, giving selflessly and standing by him like a father. Their bond was a beautiful reminder of chosen family and unconditional care.

At his request, a Celebration of Life will be at Fuzzy’s Corner in Buchanan Dam on August 30, 2025 starting at 1pm.