Charles Jay Schaefer

Charles Jay Schaefer, 84, of Ozark, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 18, 2026 at his home.  Charlie was born March 25, 1942 in Norwalk, Ohio a son of the late Floyd and Dorothy Miller Schaefer.

Charlie graduated from Bellevue High School in 1960 and from The Ohio State University College of Agriculture in 1966.  He taught agriculture and FFA in Clyde and New London, Ohio for two years.

Charlie married Linda Norris on August 19, 1967 in Beallsville, Ohio and together they eventually bought a farm in Ozark, in Monroe County.  They had been lifelong dairy farmers working together for 39 years.

Charlie had been a member of the former Ozark Church of Christ and was presently a member of the Beallsville Church of Christ.  He enjoyed antique tractors, going to auctions and watching farming YouTube videos.  He also enjoyed tinkering on the farm and visiting county fairs.

Over the years Charlie had served on several committees – the Monroe Soil and Water District, State Soil and Water Committee, Farm Service Agency, and the Farm Bureau Board.  He also served on the Monroe County Fair Board for 15 years.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law Floyd and Celestia Norris; also by a brother-in-law, Keith Norris.

In addition to Linda, his wife of 58 years, Charlie is survived by a son, Eric (Marci) Schaefer of Hillsboro; a daughter, Holly (Dave) Smith of Sardis; a sister, Joyce Schaefer of Monroeville; five grandchildren, Cole (Erin), McKenna, and Claire Schaefer, and Nerissa and Emily Smith; sisters-in-law, Diana Norris of Cambridge and Darlene Norris of Beallsville; also several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be received Thursday, May 21 from 4pm to 8pm at the Beallsville Church of Christ, 52125 Township Rd. 134, Beallsville. Visitation will also be held Friday, May 22 at the church from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 11am with Jeffrey Carpenter officiating.

In lieu of flowers and keepsakes, memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Agricultural Society, PO Box 111, Woodsfield Ohio  43793.

Harper Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.