William Aaron Schnelle

William Schnelle

William Schnelle, 94, of Pollock, MO, passed away at Northcare Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO, on Saturday, January 24, 2015. He had been a resident there less than a week after moving to Camden Point to live with his son in February of 2014.

William Aaron Schnelle was born in the Pollock, MO, area on October 20, 1920, the son of Joseph Aaron and Lucy Orlee (Stutler) Schnelle, who preceded him in death. He graduated from Unionville High School in 1938. He began attending William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, but his education was interrupted by World War II when William enlisted in the Navy and received training as a fighter pilot. He married Mary Elizabeth Lester in Topeka, KS, on September 5, 1944, and she preceded him in death on July 15, 2010. William was honorably discharged from the service in 1945. He returned to North Missouri and finished his undergraduate degree at Kirksville State Teachers College (now Truman University). He also received his Master of Science degree from that institution.

William began teaching at Unionville High School in 1957. He taught General Science, Biology, and Chemistry. Every student passing through that school from 1957 until 1988 had Mr. Schnelle for at least one science class. He was also the sponsor for the Science Club and the Photography Club. He and Mary also lived on the family farm during their married life where he raised cattle and hogs in addition to his teaching career. William enjoyed bird hunting. He was a longtime member of he Pollock Masonic Lodge and a member of the Plainview Church in rural Pollock until that church closed.

William is survived by a son, Thomas Carl and his wife Juanita of Camden Point, MO. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Cherie Schnelle of Centerville, IA, nine grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.

William was preceded in death by a son, William Fredrick on April 9, 2010. Others who preceded William in death were his siblings, Lois Ellis, Eunice Craig, Bonnie Schnelle and Marvin Schnelle.

Funeral services for William Schnelle will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 11:00 am on Monday, February 2, 2015, with visitation one hour prior to the service. William’s body will be cremated after the service as he requested and private interment will take place at Plainview Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Plainview Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.