May 25, 1937 – October 19, 2024
John (Johnny) Schaff, age 87, a lifelong resident of Elberta, Alabama, passed away on Oct. 19, 2024. Johnny was raised by his Grandpa Lorenz and Grandma Eva Schaff for eighteen months after his mother died during childbirth. After his father remarried, he and his brother, George, lived with them until he was thirteen. Johnny then went back to live with his grandma, Eva Schaff. He joined the Alabama National Guard in the spring of his 11th-grade year, and once he graduated high school, he joined the United States Air Force. He was a proud Veteran. Johnny was very lucky to marry a woman he loved and was his best friend, Mary Ann Holz. Johnny spent his whole life building a family farm equipment business, Foley Implement Company, and raising a large family with Mary Ann.
Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years Mary Ann; six children, Andy (Christine) Schaff, Pam (Danny) Guidry, Michael (Leila) Schaff, Ginny (Larry) Blackmon, Mitch (Leanne) Schaff, and JoAnn Kaiser; Fifteen Grandchildren Brandie Guidry, Colt (Kynlee) Guidry, Brook (Zac) Duddy, Drew (Melanie) Schaff, Justin (Jamie) Schaff, Tripp (Kayla) Blackmon, Carson (Anthony) Schaff, Chantz (Haley) Blackmon, Bailey (Kane) Hodo, Austin Smyth, Tanner (Jacob) Smyth, Hunter Smyth, Travis Smyth, Sky Kaiser, and De Kaiser; twenty-one great-grandchildren Macie (Steven), Gabe, Poppy, Reese, Harper, Charley, Quincy, Ezra, Eden, Elliana, Elilah, Evangeline, McLain, Cole, Wyatt, Lydia, Felix, Fynn, Tomarion, Hayes, and Beckham; one great-great grandchild Heath; and one sister Kathy Schaff Odom.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Lorenz and Eva Schaff; mother, Elizabeth Gottler Schaff; father, George Schaff Sr.; brothers, George (Margaret) Schaff, Frankie Schaff, Larry Schaff, Joey Schaff; sisters, Elizabeth (Denny) Schaff Kaiser, and Helen Schaff; and three grandsons John Landon Schaff, Joel Schaff, and Baxter Duddy.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Wed., Oct. 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The family received friends one hour prior to Mass. Interment followed in Prince of Peace Catholic Cemetery in Elberta, Alabama. In Lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the BaxStrong Foundation. www.Baxstrong.networkforgood.com or mail check to the BaxStrong Foundation, 12211 County Road 95, Elberta, AL. 36530
