Dr. Philip A. Schaeffer, MD

On March 14, 2026, Dr. Philip A. Schaeffer, MD, of Pass Christian, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 90.

He is survived by his wife, Sherri Floyd Schaeffer of Pass Christian, Mississippi; his son, Jonathan Schaeffer (Oni) of Tasmania, Australia; his nieces, GiGi Adams (Cliff) of Dallas, Texas, and Susie Beers (Norm) of Windsor, England; as well as many extended family members and close friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen Schaeffer; his brother, Norman Schaeffer; and his parents, Samuel and Lena (née Sabludowsky) Schaeffer.

Dr. Schaeffer was born in Gainesville, Texas, on May 24, 1935. As a young man, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from the LSU School of Medicine in 1960 and was board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Following medical school, he completed fellowships in pharmacology and psychiatry and served his internship at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina.

In 1963, he returned to New Orleans to complete his residency in psychiatry at LSU, where he served as co-chief resident. In 1966, he entered private practice in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Gulfport, Mississippi, where he served the community as a respected psychiatrist for many years until his retirement.

During his distinguished career, Dr. Schaeffer served as assistant coroner for the City of New Orleans and was a faculty member at both the LSU School of Medicine and Tulane School of Medicine. He also served as medical director of Sand Hill Hospital and the Gulf Oaks Child and Adolescent Day Hospital/School in Gulfport. In addition, he was a consultant to Catholic Charities and the Harrison County Adult Detention Center.

Dr. Schaeffer proudly served his country as a captain in the United States Air Force, where he worked as a flight medical officer and nuclear reliability officer at Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico. He was also a delegate to the State Medical Association and remained active in professional and civic life throughout his career.

Phil was a longtime member of the Pass Christian Yacht Club and a supporter of the Gulf Coast Symphony and the Pass Christian Historical Society. As a longtime amateur ham radio enthusiast, he attended the 50th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1994, where he met with fellow operators from around the world. He was also an avid sailor who enjoyed music, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pass Christian Yacht Club, 120 Market St., Pass Christian, MS 39571, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Dr. Philip Schaeffer to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to his caregivers, friends, and neighbors who offered kindness and support during his final days.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian is assisting the family.