Earl Bernard Schonberg

1941 - 2016

Earl Bernard Schonberg Sr., age 74, of Killeen, Texas, was born on November 22, 1941, to the late Allen and Ida Mae Schonberg in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.  He is the younger brother of Mrs. Eleanor Schonberg Sherman.  Earl passed away after a short battle with cancer on July 21, 2016, at the William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home in Temple, Texas. 
Earl graduated from St. Catherine of Sienna High School in Donaldsonville, Louisiana in 1960. Yearning to see the world, he enlisted in the U.S. Army upon graduation from high school. He rose through the ranks to retire with over 30 years of service as a Command Sergeant Major.
As part of his military service, Earl had a combat tour of duty in Vietnam and was stationed all over the world. Earl graduated from several military Non-Commissioned Officers leadership schools to include the U.S. Army Sergeant's Major Academy. He concluded his military career in 1991, as the 2nd Armored Division DISCOM Command Sergeant Major in Fort Hood, Texas. Among his many others, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.  Earl's success in the military can be directly attributed to his meticulous work ethic and his love for the uniform.
Earl's attention to details was legendary. He took pride in the fact that soldiers under his command respected one another and were committed to the Army's values.  The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest.  He was a life-long soldier and his passion was passed on to his sons who are currently serving in the military. 
Earl was an incredibly intelligent man who enjoyed technology. He was always researching and buying the latest techs and gadgets.  Earl loved to cook and was excellent at it.  He taught family how to "properly" create creole dishes as his mother taught him to pass down the family legacy.  In his spare time, he enjoyed debating, telling you what was on his mind - loud and clear and taking drives with his devoted wife who he cared for when she became ill. 
Earl was actively involved in the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.  He was a faithful and dedicated member of St. Paul Chong Hasang in Harker Heights, Texas.  The Catholic Church was a big part of Earl's life. He was a quiet philanthropist faithfully donating to Catholic missions and the less fortunate. 
Earl met his wife Elsie Marva Rankin when he was stationed in Panama.  They were united in holy matrimony on December 2, 1967.  To this union, two children were born, Earl B. Schonberg Jr. and Allen B. Schonberg II.  Earl lovingly extended his family to include two beautiful step-daughters, Lincoya Brown and Haydee "Bunny" Collins. 
Earl leaves behind to cherish in his memory his wife of 48 years, Elsie Schonberg. Two sons, Earl B. Schonberg Jr, (Bridgette) and Allen B. Schonberg II (Bianca), step-daughters, Lincoya Brown, and Haydee "Bunny" Collins, sister, Mrs. Eleanor Schonberg Sherman,  grandchildren, McKenzie Schonberg, Ariel Simone Hill, Johnny Bryan, Tony Bryan, Edward Bryan, Magnolia Collins, nephew, Leo Sherman, niece Marcia Taylor and a host of other family members and dear friends who will miss him dearly. 
Viewing/Rosary will be held Thursday, July 28, 2016, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., at Chisolm Funeral Chapel, 3100 S. Old FM 440 Rd., Killeen, Texas 76549.
A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, July 29, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church, 1000 E Fm 2410 Rd, Harker Heights, TX · Father Richard O'Rourke will officiate
Burial will be in Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.
Branford/Dawson Funeral Home of Temple, Texas, is in charge of arrangements.   You may sign the memorial book at www.branforddawsonfuneralhome.com.