Dates
Aug 25, 1917
Nov 14, 2014
Edward William Kafer was born in Hurnville, Texas, Aug. 25, 1917 and died Nov. 14, 2014. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Willa Dene Kafer; children, Gary Kafer and wife Mary of Gatesville, Judy Hurst and husband Paul of San Angelo, and Jim Bob Kafer and wife Becky of San Angelo; grandchildren, April Eagan and husband Scott of Bishop, CA, Michelle Ridenour and husband Curtis of Littleton, CO, Matt Hurst and wife Jessica of Waco, Kylen Kafer and wife Amanda of Virginia Beach, VA, Clayton Kafer and wife Bailey of Dallas, and Canyon Kafer of Bedford ; great-granddaughter, Aubrey Anna Ridenour of Littleton, CO; sisters, Rosemary Schaffner of Eula, Ruth Gardner and Anna Lee Lewis both of Abilene. He was preceded in death by parents Karl and Anna Kafer and sister Lydia Althof.
Ed served his country as a PFC in the Army, transporting prisoners from Le Havre, France to New York Harbor and then transferring them by train to Camp Chaffee, Arkansas during the latter stages of WWII.
He farmed and ranched in North, Central, and West Texas regions when conditions were harsh in the 1950s. He relinquished dryland farming and purchased a stock farm in the early 1960s in Hamilton County. In 1965 the family moved to Gatesville, Texas, where he worked for the Texas Youth Council as a correctional officer on the nightshift for 15 years. Following retirement from the state, Ed and Willa Dene bought and managed the Silver Spur restaurant in Roby, Texas, where they worked hand in hand serving local business clubs and the general public for a few years before selling the business. They worked part-time for the Fisher County Senior Citizen Center cooking and delivering meals to the elderly of the community for several years. Ed and his wife later moved to Bronte, Texas, where they became active members of the First Baptist Church. In 2002, they relocated to San Angelo to be near family.
For enjoyment, Ed took annual hunting trips with his brothers-in-law. He was also a master gardener, harvesting fruits and vegetables to share from his backyard bounty. His grandchildren have fond memories of rides in the country, drinking Dr. Pepper, having ice cream parties on the front porch, and playing football in the front yard when he was 80 years of age.
His later years were spent at the Senior Care Center of San Angelo. The family is appreciative for the tireless support and loving care provided not only by the excellent nursing staff but also by dedicated friends of the family.
Funeral service is at 2:00 p.m. in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday with Dr. James A. Miller officiating. Burial is at 1:00 p.m. on Monday in Prairie Grove Cemetery in Limestone County with Rev. Clifton Jones officiating.
Memorials may be given to San Angelo Meals for the Elderly, Boys and Girls Club of Gatesville, and Gatesville Care Center.
Family and friends may sign the online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.
Ed served his country as a PFC in the Army, transporting prisoners from Le Havre, France to New York Harbor and then transferring them by train to Camp Chaffee, Arkansas during the latter stages of WWII.
He farmed and ranched in North, Central, and West Texas regions when conditions were harsh in the 1950s. He relinquished dryland farming and purchased a stock farm in the early 1960s in Hamilton County. In 1965 the family moved to Gatesville, Texas, where he worked for the Texas Youth Council as a correctional officer on the nightshift for 15 years. Following retirement from the state, Ed and Willa Dene bought and managed the Silver Spur restaurant in Roby, Texas, where they worked hand in hand serving local business clubs and the general public for a few years before selling the business. They worked part-time for the Fisher County Senior Citizen Center cooking and delivering meals to the elderly of the community for several years. Ed and his wife later moved to Bronte, Texas, where they became active members of the First Baptist Church. In 2002, they relocated to San Angelo to be near family.
For enjoyment, Ed took annual hunting trips with his brothers-in-law. He was also a master gardener, harvesting fruits and vegetables to share from his backyard bounty. His grandchildren have fond memories of rides in the country, drinking Dr. Pepper, having ice cream parties on the front porch, and playing football in the front yard when he was 80 years of age.
His later years were spent at the Senior Care Center of San Angelo. The family is appreciative for the tireless support and loving care provided not only by the excellent nursing staff but also by dedicated friends of the family.
Funeral service is at 2:00 p.m. in Johnson's Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday with Dr. James A. Miller officiating. Burial is at 1:00 p.m. on Monday in Prairie Grove Cemetery in Limestone County with Rev. Clifton Jones officiating.
Memorials may be given to San Angelo Meals for the Elderly, Boys and Girls Club of Gatesville, and Gatesville Care Center.
Family and friends may sign the online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com.