Chester Henry Schaffner Jr., known to the world as Hank, passed peacefully at his home on June 29, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81.

Hank was born in Louisville on July 14, 1944 to Chester Henry Schaffner Sr. and Mary Jean Hebden. He was the oldest of three boys. His brothers, John Hebden Schaffner and Jack Dohn Schaffner, preceded him in death.

Hank began his lifelong love of learning at Mill Creek Elementary and later graduated from Butler High School with the Class of 1964.

Shortly after high school, Hank met the love of his life, Patty. He joined the Kentucky National Guard alongside his dear friend since the age of seven, Mike Mathes. After returning home from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was assigned to an artillery unit, where he later became a platoon sergeant. He proudly served in the National Guard for six years. During this time, he was also employed at Ford Motor Company.

Hank and Patty were married on April 23, 1966, at St. Helen Catholic Church. In 1968, he joined the Louisville Police Department, where he served for 20 years as a police officer and later as a detective. During that time, his love of hot rods led him to start Classic Fabrication, a custom car parts business specializing in 1955, 1956, and 1957 Chevrolets.

In 2000, Hank began a career as a code enforcement officer in Meade County, Kentucky. His love for Meade County, especially Flaherty and St. Martin's Church, was evident through his years of dedicated service to the community.

More than his career, Hank loved his family. Together, he and Patty raised four daughters: Mary Federle (Leon), Stephanie Sanders (Todd), Jessica Zoeller (Adam), and Ashley Fletcher (Chris). He leaves to cherish his memory nine grandchildren: Tyler Sanders (Mackenzie), Elizabeth Branstetter (Jay), Austin Sanders, Madeline Federle, Olivia Federle, Sophia Zoeller, Lillian Zoeller, Adalynn Zoeller, and Payne Fletcher. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren: Baylee Branstetter, Stella Sanders, and Eden Sanders.

A notable part of Hank's life was his relationships with his many brothers- and sisters-in-law (some of whom he helped raise), friends too numerous to count, and his special cousins, Michael
Barron, Jeanie Lou Mitchell, and Dr. Roger Goodwin.

Hank remained close with several lifelong friends, including Mike Mathes and Sonny Martin, along with many others who have gone before him.

Hank had a way of making everyone feel like an old friend. He never met a stranger. He had the gift of gab, and his warmth and friendly demeanor made everyone he met feel loved. He gave memorable nicknames to many, and his humor and storytelling were legendary. 

He taught Mary, Stephanie, Jessica, and Ashley to be strong, independent women. He instilled in his daughters a deep sense of determination and confidence, and he was always quick to brag about each of them to anyone who would listen. He taught his family to treat the custodian and the CEO the same and never to judge others. The only thing he didn't teach them was how to live without him, a void that will never be filled.

Hank enjoyed NASCAR races on Sundays, Jack Daniel's any day of the week, and spending time caring for his home and land in Flaherty for the past 35 years. A “professional piddler,” you could often find him tinkering with his '57 rat rod, bush hogging on his 1939 Ford tractor, or mowing his beautiful yard. At the end of a hard day's work, he enjoyed relaxing in his barn with a cold beer. His grand-kids knew that every visit came with a nickname, a laugh, and probably a story they'd heard before—but never minded hearing again. He was also a lover of animals, especially his horses and cats.

There will never be another Hank, Daddy, or Paps. His family has been blessed to be led by the best. The outpouring of love and support during Hank's illness has been overwhelming, and words cannot express the gratitude his family feels.

Rest well, Hank. Well done, good and faithful servant.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at Chism Family Funeral Home in Vine Grove, KY.

Funeral services for Mr. Schaffner will be at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the chapel of Chism Family Funeral Home in Vine Grove, KY

Burial will be at St. Martin Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Martin of Tours Building Fund, 440 St. Martin Road, Vine Grove, KY 40175.