With profound sadness and endless love, we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and husband, Chad Alan Dauster, who left us on July 30, 2026, at the age of 50. Chad was born on June 25, 1976 in Defiance, Ohio to Barbara J. Schaffer. Together for 21 years total, Chad and Jeffrey Dauster were united in marriage on July 27, 2015.

Chad could light up a room before he ever said a word. His laugh was contagious, his smile was warm, and his heart was open to anyone who needed it. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen - welcomed, valued, and never alone. Selfless and endlessly compassionate, he put others first without being asked and found his own happiness in creating it for someone else.

He made things with his hands. Cross stitching, diamond painting, coloring, crafting - Chad loved the quiet satisfaction of turning time and patience into something beautiful. He loved cooking, reading, shopping, and singing, but most of all he loved doing those things alongside the people who mattered to him. Whether he was putting a meal on the table or simply sitting with family and friends, he had a way of making ordinary moments feel like something worth keeping.

Music ran through all of it. His heart belonged to classic country - Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton - and to the voices of Barbra Streisand and Sandi Patty, whose songs carried him through the hard days and the good ones alike.

Among his happiest memories were the trips he took to Nashville with his husband, karaoke nights with family and friends, and the countless hours of laughter in between. Those who knew Chad will always remember that laugh, that generosity, and the simple fact that every gathering was brighter because he was in it.

Chad is lovingly survived by his husband, Jeffrey Dauster, his mother, Barb (Wayne) Davis; his siblings, Eric (Cassie) Lowe and Elizabeth (Paul Lemay) Smith; his niece, Layla Lowe, nephew, Alex Lemay, mother-in-law, Kay Van Vorce, and many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clyde and Elizabeth Schaffer and Mary Dauster, his uncle Taylor Farley, cousin, Jacob Schaffer, and stepfather, Steven Smith.

Our hearts are broken, but our gratitude is greater. We were given the gift of knowing him and loving him, and that does not end here. His compassion and his joy will live on in every memory we share, every song we hear, every meal we cook, and every act of kindness we pass along in his name.

Chad's life is a reminder that love is not measured by the years we are given, but by the lives we touch. We will miss him more than words can hold - and we take comfort in knowing his light will never fade from our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 6th at the funeral home, with Celebrant Deb Miller officiating. Chad will be laid to rest in Tontogany Cemetery in Bowling Green, Ohio.

Memorial donations can be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever missed.