Will Schaaphok

Will Schaaphok, Jr., 82, longtime Farmington resident, passed away December 17, 2017, at his home in Farmington.

Will was born on December 29, 1934, in Dexter, NM to Will and Essie Hall Schaaphok. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955 during the Korean War.  In May 1956, he married Pat Pounds of Hobbs, NM and began his career with Western Company as a truck driver in Hobbs.

He was transferred to Cortez, CO in 1958, to Farmington in 1959, to Woodward, OK in 1968 and back to Farmington in 1972. Will was a hard worker and moved up the ranks through Western Company to Regional Sales Manager and moved to Denver, CO in 1982. In 1984 he returned to Farmington where he later retired from Western Company after 38 years of service. After retirement, he became a partner in Cementers Inc. and later sold the company to American Energy but remained with the company as Sales Manager. After another retirement he continued to work with various oil service companies. Working was his way of life. Unlike most people who can’t wait to retire, Will refused to quit working. He enjoyed the comradery that the oil field offered, always loved his job and placed high value on a strong work ethic.

Outside of work, Will spent his free time on the lake or at the golf course. He loved to fish and ski with his kids and spent most of his vacation time at Lake Powell. His love of boating and being on the water was a result of his time in the Navy. He also loved to play golf, not because he was an exceptional golfer, but because he was able to spend time with his friends. He was often happily harassing his golf buddies during their backswing or while attempting a crucial putt. He was an ornery guy but that was one thing that made him special and fun to be around.

Will loved his wife, kids and grandkids. Although he did not attend college, he placed a high value on education and was very proud of the academic accomplishments of each family member. Will believed in working hard and doing whatever was needed to get a job done right. He was a handy guy who could fix things around the house and took great pride in keeping a meticulous yard.

Will was a member of a local “breakfast club” that met every weekday morning. He looked forward to joining his friends to discuss the latest politics, start a few rumors and enjoy a good laugh. Even on his worst days he would try his hardest to get to the breakfast table. These men meant the world to Will and were truly valued friends.

Will was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pat; his children, Karen Mills (Greg), Will “Billy” Schaaphok III (Sherry), of Farmington and April Hagen (Bob) of Colleyville, TX,; one brother, Perry Schaaphok (Barbara) of Hobbs; nine grandchildren, Lori McDaugale (Tyson), Brandon Carley (Shasta), Daniel Mills (Danielle), Jason Roberts (Crystal), Brandy Colson (Mike), Michelle Martinez (Orlando), Rachel, Sarah Grace and Leah Hagen; eleven great-grandchildren, Kelsi Machado (Jonathan), Ashlyn McDaugale, Kamry Johnson, Bowyer and Brayton Carley, Kyler and Kaylee Roberts, Michael Colson, Tayah Roberts, Aspen and Ethan Murray, and many extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Friday December 22, 2017 at Summit Church, 1200 E. 30th St in Farmington with Rev. John Preston officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in honor of Will to the San Juan College Nursing Program in Farmington, NM.

Funeral arrangements are through Farmington Funeral Home