Michael Gene Schafer

Michael Gene Schafer, age 70 of Custer, KY, passed away March 21, 2026, at University Hospital in Louisville, KY as the result of an automobile accident. He was born in Hardinsburg, KY on November 28, 1955, son of the late John Henry and Mary Elizabeth Whitfill Schafer. Gene retired from Scotty’s Contracting, where he was a truck driver. He was a member of St. Romuald Catholic Church and a 1975 graduate of St. Romuald High School. Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, watching Gunsmoke and farming. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and looked forward to gatherings with them. He raised and trained hunting dogs and could always be found with one. He was quite the jokester and could tell some really “tall tales”. Gene was a kind man with a big heart.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Sarah Schafer, daughter Melissa Jean Priddy, granddaughter Riley Blake Schafer and nephews John Henry Schafer, III and Taylor Fowler.

Gene is survived by his fiancée Judy Fowler of Custer, KY

6 children: Beth Lindsey (Dustin) of Leitchfield, KY; Ashley Schafer of Harned, KY; Jessica Schafer of Brandenburg, KY; Preston Fowler (Brittany) of McQuady, KY; Alicia Armstrong of Lexington, SC; Brit High of Pine Bush, NY

12 grandchildren: Michael C. Schafer, Dylan Tabor, Brandon Lindsey, Autumn Hester, Jayce and Tyler Warner, Millie and Jonah Fowler, Mason, Ollie, Nora and Cohen Armstrong

2 great grandchildren: Baylen and Raylen Schafer

6 brothers and sisters: Lawrence Schafer (Mayme) and Johnny Schafer of Hardinsburg, KY; Steve Schafer (Karen) and Anna Ford (Garrett) of Falls of Rough, KY; Sue Duggins (Davye) of Kingswood, KY and Dora Williams (Kenny) of Hawesville, KY

Many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Funeral services will be held at Trent-Dowell Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11 AM with burial in the St. Romuald Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 3 – 7 PM and Thursday after 8:30 AM. All times are central.