Gary M. Schafer, 63, of Leesburg, died Thursday, May 17, 2018.

Mr. Schafer was born April 15, 1955 in Fort Campbell, KY; the son of Benjamin M. and Betty Jean Schafer. He served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Germany and was a carpenter by trade. Gary was a longtime member of the Loyal Order of the Moose in Leesburg and enjoyed many good times there with his friends. Gary had a love for the outdoors including camping and fishing. He was an avid Washington Nationals and Redskins fan. Gary enjoyed reading books, crossword puzzles, and hardly ever missed an episode of Jeopardy.

He will always be remembered as a kind soul who never met a stranger.

Along with his mother, he is survived by his son, Garrett Schafer and Jenni Fishel of Winchester; his sisters Susan Jewel of Bentonville, VA ; Pam Sieber of Leesburg, VA; two grandchildren whom he adored Kayla and Kylie Schafer; along with many nieces and nephews.

Along with his father he is preceded in death by a brother Steve Schafer and brother-in-law Curt Sieber.

"Well there just ain't no place like home. Did you ever see a she-gator protect her young, or a fish in a river swimming free? Did you ever see the beauty of the hills of Carolina, or the sweetness of the grass in Tennessee? And lord I can't make any changes, All I can do is write 'em in a song. I can see the concrete slowly creepin' Lord take me and mine before that comes."

Memorial contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice 14900 Conference Center Drive, Suite 170 Chantilly, VA 20151.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.