The community is mourning the death of former Perry County Sheriff Gary Joseph Schaaf, 67, who died Monday, Aug. 19 at his home.
He was born Oct. 1, 1956, in Perryville to Alvin W. "Mousie" and Naomi (Tucker) Schaaf.
Schaaf and Tamara (Tami) Geile were married on July 10, 1982, in Perryville.
He worked in law enforcement for more than 40 years, starting as a deputy at the Perry County Sheriff's Department for four years and then serving as chief of police for the Perryville Police Department for six years before moving to the Perry County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked for 30 years.
A member of the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, Schaaf served 12 years in the Army National Guard and was a member of the American Legion Post 133, where he served on the honor guard.
He was president of the National Sheriff Association and the SEMO Drug Task Force. He was also a licensed scuba diver for search and rescue and started the equine search and rescue team.
Schaaf was a gun advocate and history buff. He loved spending time outdoors, tinkering with things, fishing, grilling, gardening and studying astronomy using his telescope.
Schaaf especially loved spending time with his family.
Perry County Presiding Commissioner Mike Sauer said, “The county commission is saddened by the family’s loss. Gary was a good sheriff and served Perry County for many years. Everything ran smoothly while he was here. It’s a sad loss.”
“Former Sheriff Gary J. Schaaf's passing is devastating for our law enforcement community,” said Perry County Sheriff Jason Klaus. “It's very illustrative that he worked with so many at the Perry County Sheriff's Office and other officers in the area during his more than 30 years of leadership in law enforcement for Perry County. He will be greatly missed by all, and his legacy will continue through all of those he's touched.”
Perryville Police Chief Direk Hunt said, “Sheriff Schaaf hired me at the police department in 1988 when he was the chief of police. I worked for him for a few years until he went to the Perry County Sheriff's Department. He was a good man and a very nice person. You could talk to him. He was really nice to most everybody that he ever dealt with, and I think everybody liked him a lot. I know that I did.”
Grateful for the support she has received since her husband’s passing, Tami Schaaf said, “The outpouring of love from the community has been so overwhelming, and Gary would be so proud. I know he’s looking down, smiling. He always loved his job and didn’t do it for the money. I want to thank everyone for all their kind words, always being there for him, always encouraging him during the elections. Thank you for keeping him going. He would appreciate all of this. He probably would have said, ‘Oh, you don't need to be doing all this for me’ because he was like that, but I'm sure everybody is doing him so proud. I appreciate it so much.”
Survivors include two sons, Brian Schaaf of Perryville, Aaron (Catleya) Schaaf of Cape Girardeau; daughter, Amanda Geile of Perryville; three brothers, Michael (Alescha Caldwell) Schaaf of Savannah, Ill, Danny Schaaf of Perryville, Kenny (Gina) Schaaf of Seneca, SC; sister, Gail (Larry) Duvall; grandchild, Serena Schaaf; former sister-in-law, Judy Schaaf (Joe) Wheeler of Farmington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dennis Wayne Schaaf, and sister Sharon K. Donley.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville and will continue from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, with the Rev. Fred Wandera C.M. officiating.
Entombment will be in the Mary Queen of all Saints Mausoleum at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville.
Military Honors will be provided by Delta Team and American Legion Post 133
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given for family use for a charity of their choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.
Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
