Dr. Darrell Dean Schafer

Darrell Dean Schafer, DDS, a much-loved father, respected dentist and friend to many throughout the Moses Lake community, passed away on Sept. 8, 2026, at the age of 91. He lived a full and meaningful life shaped by family, friendship, a career he truly loved, and a passion for the outdoors.

Born to Henry and Kathryn Schafer, Darrell grew up in Odessa, Washington, where he excelled both academically and athletically. He graduated from Odessa High School in 1953, serving as student body president his senior year and earning an impressive 12 varsity letters in track and field, tennis, football and basketball.

He attended Washington State University from 1953 to 1954 before proudly serving in the United States Army from 1954-1956. His service took him throughout Europe, including West Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Greece, England, France, Holland and Ireland, experiences that broadened his perspective and remained treasured memories.

After returning home, Darrell attended the University of Washington pre-dental program in 1956 and graduated with honors from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1962. That same year, he moved to Moses Lake and opened his dental practice, where he served patients with skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication for 50 years.

Darrell truly lived his passion. Dentistry was not only his profession; it was his calling. He loved being a dentist. A true general practitioner, he excelled in oral surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and more. His career included memorable experiences, such as performing a root canal on the Grant County Sheriff’s dog, Guard. He served as president of the Washington Society of Dentistry for Children for one term, proudly displaying the plaque in his office, and he remained a member of the Washington Dental Association throughout his career. Darrell also cherished his longstanding tradition of “Dr’s Lunch” every Thursday, a gathering of colleagues and friends that continues today.

Darrell’s love of the outdoors shaped much of his life. He enjoyed walleye fishing on local lakes, duck and goose hunting with close friends, and especially the annual fishing trips to Alaska. It began with Sid Winzler and Fred LeGault and continued through 2018 with a close-knit circle who shared his passion for the water, the wilderness, and the memories made there.

Darrell built countless relationships throughout his decades in Moses Lake. He was loved and respected by many: patients, colleagues, friends, and community members who knew him for his kindness, authenticity, and steady presence.

Darrell’s family grew throughout his life. He shared sons Jeff and Wade and daughter Margaret with Carolyn. During his marriage to Anita, his family grew to include Evan and Krista Lott, and together Darrell and Anita welcomed their daughter Tiffany. His marriage to Christina in 2001 brought Kelly and Lance Crithfield into his family.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Kathryn Schafer, his sister Marcella (Schafer) Cummins, his sons Jeff Schafer and Evan Lott and his son-in-law Mike Hamilton.

He is survived by his wife Christina; his brother Ron Schafer; Wade Schafer, Margaret Schafer and her husband Grant Wiley, Tiffany (Schafer) Carvo and her husband Brett, Krista (Lott) Hamilton, Kelly Crithfield and Lance Crithfield. Darrell was also blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.

Darrell lived a long, meaningful life devoted to family, dentistry, friendship, and the outdoors. His legacy will continue in the community he served, the memories he created, and the many people who loved him.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Pioneer Memorial Gardens, 14403 Rd 2 NE, Moses Lake, Washington. Military honors will be presented in recognition of Darrell’s service in the United States Army.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Darrell’s lifelong passion for the outdoors, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Y.O.U.T.H. Outdoors.