Schaeffer, Neal Thomas, 80, baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Thursday, November 6, 2025. He was born in St. Louis, a son of Joseph and Aurelia Schaeffer (nee Schneider).  Neal was a veteran of the Army Reserves, a member of Ascension Catholic Church, a graduate of Rolla School of Mines (now Missouri S & T) with a bachelor's in electrical engineering.  He loved working and did so in a very long and successful 52 year career with Monsanto, MEMC and Washington University where he helped manage construction projects for some of their largest campus buildings. He enjoyed sports and was a soccer referee at the high school level for many years.  He was a generous benefactor to many causes and a dedicated volunteer, especially to his church as an Athletic Association board member, reader, Eucharistic Minister and "Master turkey carver" at the Fall Dinner.  He is also a famed social media personality as 'Chef Schaef' - sharing everyone's favorite Thanksgiving cooking lesson each year.

He is the beloved husband of Marilyn Schaeffer (nee Arb); dear father of Tom (Vickie) Schaeffer, Linda (Tim) Tegeler, and the late Julie Ann Schaeffer; proud and loving grandfather of Scott (Sarah) Schaeffer, Ally Schaeffer, and Justin and Jake Tegeler; loving brother of Michael (Brenda) Schaeffer, Susan (late John) Brugman, Mary Beth (Jimmy) Graham, the late Gary (Gloria survives) Schaeffer, and the late Cathy Schaeffer.

Services: Funeral Mass at Ascension Catholic Church, 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield, Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation , St. Vincent de Paul Society or a charity of your choice. Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.