The following sad announcement and obituary is made available by the good people at Bright Funeral Home in beautiful Wake Forest.

Gilbert Donald Schaefer

Oct 11, 1937 – Apr 29, 2015

Gilbert Donald Schaefer, 77, of Louisburg, passed away April 29, 2015 at UNC Hospitals. He was born October 11, 1937 in Baltimore, MD to the late George Washington Schaefer and Catherine Frieda Wagner Schaefer. Mr. Schaefer retired from Westinghouse and Northrop Grumman after over 30 years as a Design Draftsman.

Mr. Schaefer was a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose life was centered on family. He loved to travel, study history and was a good cook who enjoyed tinkering with recipes. Mr. Schaefer was a stroke survivor of over 60 years who never let his limitations hold him back from fully participating in life. He was always building things to improve his life. Mr. Schaefer cared for his mother in her old age with great resolve and patience and he never held a grudge.

Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock, Tuesday May 5, 2015 at Hope Lutheran Church, Wake Forest. Burial will follow in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Schaefer is survived by his wife of 39 years, Eleanor Elizabeth Schaefer; daughter, Laura Ann Schaefer & husband Bobby Ray of Louisburg; grandchildren, Catherine Elizabeth Ray, George Leron Ray and Elaine Matilda Ray; cousin, Janet Schaefer Schultz & husband Jack of Cocoa, FL; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17090 Baltimore, MD 21297-0303.

Friends may visit with the family from 6-8:00 P.M. Monday evening at Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 405 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587. (919-556-5811)