Katherine Bacon Schaefer

Katherine Bacon Schaefer, 56, passed away June 2, 2025. Born on May 9, 1969 in Greenville, S.C. to Richard Dean Bacon and Margaret (Peggy) Joyce Duty, Kathy was a lifelong resident of DeFuniak Springs, Fla. and was a graduate of the Walton High School Class of 1987.

Kathy devotedly served Walton County through many years of employment. After several years working at the DeFuniak branch for Regions Bank, she held a position at the Walton County Property Appraisers Office for nearly 27 years. She was recognized there for her excellence in customer service and for being an “Exemptions Expert” who provided valuable assistance to countless Walton County citizens.

Kathy loved sports, animals, and trips to the beach. The Boston Red Sox, Florida State Seminoles, NASCAR, and the Olympics were some of her favorites, and she played basketball, softball, and volleyball during her years at Walton Middle and Walton High School. Her love for animals ran deep and focused especially on dogs and turtles. Some of her most beloved canines were Katie, Millie, Lacey and recent Labrador friend Tank. Trips to the local beaches were treasured as she took that time to read and disconnect from normal daily tasks.

Affectionately known as “KitKat” for most of her life, Kathy made friends easily. She possessed a rich personality that radiated a strong sense of humor peeking out from behind her captivating blue eyes and people were comfortably drawn to her.

Kathy is survived by two sisters, Margaret Stella Dina Edwards and Judith LaSage Williams, uncles Jimmy Martin and Mark Martin, aunts Peggy Theriot and Lois Martin, nephews Eli Cawthon, Clay Cawthon, Emory Edwards, Cody Williams, Marino Williams, niece Nyssa Carroll, cousins Melissa Tucker, Matt Martin, Linda Doub, Brenda Nelson, John Theirot, Shade Theriot, Meg Reagan, numerous third cousins, her special friend in life, Richard Hull, and Travis Wilkerson - Kathy’s self-proclaimed “brother-from-another-mother”.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Richard Dean Bacon II, uncle, Miles Martin, aunt, Eleanor Theriot, and cousin, Alfred Theriot.

A Memorial Celebration is being held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at 4:00pm at McDonald Family Funeral Home with a time of visitation immediately following.