Anton Schag

Anton "Tony" Schag

SHELBY: Anton "Tony" Schag of Shelby, Ohio went to be with the Lord Saturday evening, September 7, 2013 surrounded by the love of his family.

Anton was born the seventh of eight children to Alexander and Katherine (Kornek) Schag on February 15, 1932 in Mansfield, Ohio. A Shelby resident, he spent the majority of his active life in Mansfield.

Tony, as most of his friends and family knew him, was a devoted and loving father and husband. He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 61 years, Evelyn (Tschantz) Schag, whom he married for "forever and always" on June 18, 1952.

Tony loved his country. His life was full of stories and pictures of things he had seen, experienced, and friends he had made throughout his service in the Korean conflict. He was proud of the fact that he was training to serve as a guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier until he was called to active duty in Korea. There he served with the Fifth Regimental Combat Team where he reached the rank of corporal. You would often see him wearing his well-worn cap that identified him as one of our bravest soldiers.

A skilled carpenter, he partnered with his brothers in Schag Brothers Construction and Schag's Countertops in Mansfield, Ohio. He then went on to establish Tony's Countertops and Home Supplies and later a joint partnership with The CounterTop Shop (Allen Cabinetry) where he worked daily until his retirement in 1996. In earlier years and healthier days, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sports. Ask his grandchildren and they will recall their grandpa working in his shop in the garage or perfecting the perfect birdhouse for his beloved bluebirds.

He was a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby, Ohio where his son serves as pastor. What Tony loved most of all was his Lord and family. His Bible was full of personal notes and cross-references from his many years of personal study. He served as a faithful laborer and deacon until his health began to fail. At Calvary, he was honored as deacon emeritus for his faithful stewardship.

Tony and Evelyn raised three sons, Jeffrey (Nancy) Schag of Mansfield, Rev. Steven (Sonjia) Schag of Shelby, and Rodney (Melodie) Schag of Mansfield. Tony is also survived by his grandchildren, Steven Schag, Joseph Schag, Jason Schag, Shane Schag, Matthew Schag, Jaclyn Shoemaker, Mark Schag, and Scott Schag as well as 17 great-grandchildren, one sister Betty (Gary) Cooper, and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant sons, as well as two brothers and four sisters: Elizabeth, Marie, Alexander, Margaret, Michael, and Katherine.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at the Calvary Baptist Church, 21 Washington St. Shelby. Anton's son, Pastor Steve Schag and grandson, Pastor Joe Schag will officiate with interment in Mansfield Memorial Park where military honors will be provided by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Friends may call at the Barkdull Funeral Home Tuesday from 5:00 - 8:00 PM and also one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Memorial expressions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 632, Shelby, OH, 44875.

On line condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com