Lloyd Davis Schoonover

Lloyd Schoonover

Lloyd Davis Schoonover, son of James Milton and Fannie Mae (Davis) Schoonover was born on March 15, 1917 in Sullivan County, MO, near Pollock. He passed away at Putnam County Care Center on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at the age of 93. He liked to say that he was born in 1917, when the moon was no bigger than a half dollar and Lassie was just a pup.
Lloyd graduated from Milan High School at the age of 16, attended college at Kirksville that summer, and started teaching that fall. He taught all eight elementary grades at several one-room rural schools during the 30’s and 40’s. He wed Opal Elsie Smith on August 11, 1935, in Pollock, MO, and they were married until her death 68 years later on November 15, 2003. They purchased a farm in 1939 about two miles southwest of Pollock where Lloyd lived until his death.
Lloyd was a farmer, master gardener, cook, and carpenter, besides being a teacher, and always gave his all to everything he did. His conservatism was largely molded by his exposure to the Great Depression. Lloyd had many fascinating experiences and was blessed with incredible memory, which enabled him to share these adventures. He and Opal wrote a book about their lives, a copy of which exists in the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C.
Lloyd was a strong, but gentle man who was honest, patient, hard working, kind, and always concerned about others. He had a special interest in children and always tried to encourage and compliment them. Lloyd was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. He was a life long member of the Church of Christ and attended services in Pollock and Unionville. He was well-known throughout Sullivan and Putnam counties. He had a multitude of friends and will be sorely missed by all. In God we entrust a man of love, integrity, and generosity above measure.
Lloyd is survived by three children: Lloyd Deverne and wife Genny of Leawood, KS; Donald Ray and wife Karen of Nixa, MO; and Beverly Joy and husband Edward Wattenbarger of Kansas City, MO. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Lloyd Kendall Schoonover and wife Susie of Leawood, KS; Randall Edward Schoonover of Fort Myers, FL; Rodney Deverne Schoonover of Washington, D. C.; Donald Ray Schoonover and wife Lori of Excelsior Springs, MO; Sean Michael Schoonover and wife Carissa of Nixa, MO; Lori Lynn Wattenbarger of Lawson, MO; Dawn Susanne Gilner and husband Ben of Olathe, KS; Ryan Edward Wattenbarger and wife Courtney of Greenwood, MO; Carl Harmon and wife Paula of Kansas City, MO; and Jeff Harmon and wife Tammy of Raytown, MO. Lloyd’s thirteen surviving great-grandchildren are Zachary Cole Schoonover, Alex James Schoonover, Adam Ray Schoonover, Brady Michael Schoonover, Ireland Skye Schoonover, Ivy Meadows Schoonover, twins Jaxon Phoenix and Truman Quincy Gilner, Makinley Willow Gilner, Max Harmon, Garrett Harmon, and Reece Harmon. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, John Morley; two sisters-in-law, Lucille (Smith) Camp, and Doris Jean (Smith) Camp; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
In addition to his wife and parents, Lloyd was also preceded in death by two brothers, Earl and Olan Schoonover; two sisters, Goldie McCabe and Lois Howe; and two great-grandsons, Maguire Davis Gilner and Titus Wiley Gilner.
Funeral services for Lloyd Schoonover, 93, of Pollock, MO, will be at Playle & Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Saturday, April 24 at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until time of the service. Burial will be in the Scobee Cemetery, Pollock, MO.
Memorials are suggested to the family and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th, Unionville, MO, 63565.