In his quiet way, (Larry Schafer) has been a force of good and stabilizing influence on those around him during these eventful years.
Knox County Resolution passed July 13, 2023
MOUNT VERNON — Larry Schafer has seen the Knox County Fair from a specific part of the fairgrounds for over 40 years while working at gate six, admitting thousands of fairgoers every year.
“It was his life,” Knox County Fair gate worker David Bouchard said.
A resolution was signed by Knox County Commissioners on July 13 acknowledging Schafer’s commitment to the county fair.
Schafer passed away Oct. 17, 2022, according to his obituary. He was 80 years old.
“A community which benefits from their knowledge and creativity and experience and during a long and productive lifetime, Mr. Larry Schafer has demonstrated his countless ways — his dedication — to the welfare of others and has earned the respect and affection of people of all ages and walks of life,” Exchange board member Bruce Malek said, reading the resolution.
“Schafer lived during an eventful period of growth of the Knox County Fair and in his quiet way, has been a force of good and stabilizing influence on those around him during these eventful years. (He) has served the community of Knox County all of his life by his presence, teaching knowledge and kindness.
“The Knox County community expresses thanks to the family and friends of Mr. Larry Schafer for his lifelong dedication to the county fair, his residents and for enriching the lives of so many.”
The resolution was requested by fair gate workers, County Commissioner Thom Collier said. Schafer, like Collier, was part of the Exchange Club in Knox County–which is a national-only service organization compared to international clubs like the Lions Club.
‘The only gate I’ll work’
Along with the resolution, a plaque was put on gate six with a quote from Schafer inscribed on it — “The only gate I’ll work.”
Schafer served on a number of boards with the exchange club, Collier said, adding Schafer committed “a lot of time and energy volunteering to the fair gates.”
Schafer was involved in several youth sports, umpiring baseball, football, softball and basketball, Collier said.
Larry Schafer
“He was always the first to volunteer and loved his community,” Collier said. “He was always very very involved in the community.”
‘He was always there’
Knox County Fair volunteer Virginia Williams has worked with Schafer for several years at the fair, often remembering how selfless he was throughout the week.
“When we called and asked for help he rarely said no,” Williams said.
Bouchard echoed Williams’s sentiments, noting Schafer’s selflessness is what made him special.
“He was always there,” Bouchard said. “He never, never said no. He thought of the youth and other people first at all times. He was just one of those guys. And that’s just the way he was.”