John N. Schneider

Mr. John N. "Jack" Schneider Jr., age 86 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at Heisinger Bluffs. Jack was born on November 9, 1924, in Jefferson City, Mo., a son of John N. and Mamie N. Smallwood Schneider. He was married on February 21, 1948, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Betty L. Nichols, who preceded him in death on November 14, 2010. A lifelong resident of the central Missouri area, Jack was a 1942 graduate of New Bloomfield High School and attended Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. Jack enlisted in the Army in 1943 and fought in three European campaigns. He was injured in action in Belgium while fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantryman badge, the Glider badge and several other decorations. Jack proudly served his country with the Army National Guard and Selective Service. After lifelong service to his country, Jack retired honorably from the United States Army in 1984 at the rank of CW4. From a young age, Jack was an avid equestrian. His daughters fondly remember attending countless horse shows in their younger years. A lifelong dream was realized when neighbors Don and Virginia purchased a garden by the river. John proudly maintained a watermelon patch every summer, giving each friend their own watermelon. He enjoyed fishing with his family and friends on the Lake of the Ozarks whenever he could. He was a member of Central United Church of Christ; the Churchmen's Brotherhood at Central United Church of Christ; the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5; the Veteran of Foreign Wars, Roy Sone Post 1003; and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Faithful in his commitments, he enjoyed the camaraderie of his many lifelong friendships. Jack was a man who respected the worth and dignity of his fellow men and lived by example. He was a man of honor. He lived his last years at Heisinger Bluffs and appreciated the loving care that he received as well as the friendships that he was blessed with. Survivors include: two daughters, Mary Beth Alberts of Dallas, Texas and Becky Weingart and her husband Jim of Broomfield, Colo.; two sisters, Beatrice Roberts of Springfield, Mo. and Bonnie Murphy of Fulton, Mo.; four grandchildren, Laura Mountjoy and her husband Brian, John Alberts and his wife Jeanne, C2C Margaret Weingart, and Joe Weingart; two great-grandchildren, Mary Katherine Mountjoy and Brendan Mountjoy; and six nephews and three nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Betty Schneider; two sisters, Marguerite Stone and Juanita Trippensee; and one brother, Joseph Schneider. A visitation will be held at Central United Church of Christ from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2010, at Central United Church of Christ with the Reverend Dr. Stephen Buchholz officiating. Entombment with military honors will be held at the Mausoleum of Riverview Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Central United Church of Christ or Heisinger Bluffs. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com