William Francis Schaaf Jr

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear brother, William Francis Schaaf Jr, affectionally known as Beaver, on October 26, 2025, just days before his 73rd birthday.

Born in Galveston, on November 11,1952, to Bill and Josephine Schaaf, Beaver was the fourth child and first son. His 3 sisters eagerly awaited his arrival and began spoiling him from day one. As the only son for several years, he was our father’s pride and joy and he often introduced him as, “Big, Brave, Strong, Handsome”, a title that stayed with him even into adulthood.

How can we begin to express how very deeply we loved him or capture our countless memories that fill our hearts. He was kind, intelligent, funny and had an unmatched gift for storytelling and humor. Our childhood was a mix of activity and affection, as our parents balanced our family business and their six lively children. Family vacations in our station wagon across the country were nothing short of magical, memories we will always cherish. Our parents instilled in us a strong sense of family, a legacy passed down from our grandparents and carried forward in our lives today.

A gifted athlete, Beaver was inducted into the Galveston Little League Hall of Fame and was an outstanding pitcher at O’Connell High School where he once threw a no hitter. He also excelled in basketball, loved hunting and fishing, and was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. Beaver was also fan of the Beach boys and attended their concerts many times in Galveston and Biloxi. Faith was central to Beaver’s life. Beaver was a life-long practicing Catholic and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School where he served daily as an altar boy for Mass and funerals. He graduated from O’Connell High School in 1971. He then went on to Sam Houston State University making dear friends in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He transferred to the University of Houston and graduated with a degree in business. Beaver began his career in the accounting department of Lipton Tea, but after several years his love of the hospitality industry led him to managing one of the family’s restaurants. Upon retiring, he remained in his beloved Galveston for a few years before eventually returning to his mother’s hometown of Biloxi MS where he lived out his remaining years surrounded by people and places he loved.

Beaver was proceeded in death by his parents, Bill and Josephine Schaaf; sister, Marian Lynn Schaaf; and brother-in-law, Jim Bennett.

He is survived by his 3 sisters, Elena Jo Petree (Pete), Catherine Bennett, and Stephanie Marquard (Kevin); and 2 brothers, Joseph (King) Schaaf (Carolyn) and Stephen (Boo) Schaaf (Cynthia) . He is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews and 16 great nieces and nephews, 10 first cousins, and a host of other dear cousins who will forever remember his warmth, wit and unwavering love of family.

Beaver’s life was rich with laughter, loyalty and love and though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with our loved ones who went before him. He lives on in the love that binds our family together. He was a good son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to all. We will miss him greatly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Nativity Catholic Church Marian Chapel at 8 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, with Father Godfrey Andoh officiating. Services will also be held at Carnes Brothers’ Funeral Home in Galveston, Texas on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 1 PM with visitation starting at 12PM. Graveside services will follow at Calvary Catholic Church Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of William Francis Schaaf Jr.