Gene A. Schoenauer

The life of Gene Schoenauer is the story of an amazing man who lived, loved, and truly enjoyed life to the fullest.

Gene Schoenauer, 84 of Payne passed away peacefully from this life on the evening of July 23, 2019 surrounded by his beloved wife and family.

Gene was born in Worstville, Ohio on July 18, 1935 to parents Fred and Leona Schoenauer. He grew up in Payne and attended school there.

In 1956 Gene married the love of his life Mildred (Mick) Begley and they went on to have two daughters, Beverly (Michael) Craft and Beth (George) Scheiner. Gene had three grandchildren Kelley (Josh) Wilson, Kylie (Mark) Folsom and Austin (Jessica) Scheiner. He was blessed with eight great grandchildren Preston, Kaden, Kiersten, Kyle, Peyton, Kendall, Kelsey and Kinslee; siblings, Donna (Robert) Foehl, Betty Gloor, Ron (Cathy) & the late Norm and sister-in-law, Mary Jo. At the time of Gene's death he and Mick had spent nearly 63 years devoted to each other in marriage. Our family is in awe of the love and dedication they have for one another. 

Gene retired after 30 years from BF Goodrich in 1994. He also worked at the Payne Elevators and drove school bus for several years. He was a long-standing member of Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Payne and served as a trustee for many years. Never idle he enjoyed many days fishing at our summer place on Story Lake, long bike rides around Payne, working in his yard and gardening. He was famous for his homemade horseradish and rhubarb pie.

For many years they traveled to Cape Canaveral, Florida to spend their winters. Gene loved his long walks on the beach, cruises with family and friends, and the warm winters there. He was a proud family man and a good friend to all. Always quick with a joke and a smile. There was no place he would rather be than surrounded by the happy chaos of his children and grandchildren. Wiffle ball games in their backyard and loud family games around the kitchen table are regular occurrences.

He was a friend to many and his smile was contagious. To know him was to love him.

His funeral service is 10:30 AM, with viewing after 9:30 AM on Monday, July 29th at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 312 S. Main St., Payne.

Viewing is also Sunday, 2 - 6 pm at Dooley Funeral Home, 5761 SR 500, Payne.

He will be laid to rest at Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne.

Memorials are to the church.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com

FLOWERS AND OTHER TRIBUTES MAY BE DELIVERED SATURDAY, FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM AND SUNDAY, FROM 9 AM UNTIL NOON TO THE FLOWER DELIVERY DOOR AT DOOLEY FUNERAL HOME, PAYNE.