Frank Schoonover, Jr

Frank R. Schoonover, Jr., 81, of Van Wert, died at 9:55 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2016, at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice. He was born Nov. 30, 1934, in Van Wert, to Emma (Taylor) Schoonover-Tyler and Frank R. Schoonover Sr. They preceded him in death.

He married Lois (Case) Schoonover who survives. He was preceded in death in 2003 by his first wife, Shelva (Brabant) Schoonover.

Survivors include his children: Melody (Frank) Thompson of Columbia City, Indiana, Julie (Mick) McMillen of Van Wert County, Mike (Amy) Schoonover of California, and Shawn (Mike) Fickert of Van Wert County; stepchildren: Harry, Kelly, and Carl Jones, Vicki McClellan, and Patti Roberts; brothers: Larry (Bev) Schoonover of Van Wert, and Tom (Mary) Tyler of Pennsylvania; sisters: Carolyn (Steve) Murphy of Texas, and Emma (Wade) Raines of Van Wert; sister-in-law: Penny Tyler of Van Wert; 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother: Butch Tyler, and a sister: Gloria Felger.

He worked for many years at Kennedy Manufacturing before retiring from International Harvester after 30 years. He attended North Union Methodist Church and was a US Army veteran who served in the 11th Airborne.

Frank was instrumental in forming Haviland Little League Baseball where he also coached for many years. He often attended Cincinnati Reds games and was an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

Frank enjoyed mowing lawns and did so at Blue Creek Cemetery. He also loved bird watching.

Service will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2016, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Pastor Greg Wack and Mike Schoonover will officiate. Burial will be in Blue Creek Cemetery, Van Wert County, with military honors rendered by the combined units of the Van Wert VFW and American Legion.

Visitation is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2016, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, Van Wert.