Born on August 14, 1923, in Lima, Ohio, he was the son of Helen Wemmer and Thomas R. Schoonover. His wife, Bette Harriman Schoonover preceded George in death. He is survived by their four children: Polly Schoonover, Charlie (Lori) Schoonover, all of Vero Beach, FL., Patty (Tom) Jones of Albuquerque, NM, and Tom Schoonover of Austin, TX; five grandchildren: Alex (Marcella), Mally, and Nash Jones, Sutton Schoonover, and Tansey Schoonover and great-granddaughter Pearl Jones.

George was a graduate of Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University, before enlisting in the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, he completed 23 missions for the 8th Air Force, flying a P-51 Mustang. After his honorable discharge, he married Bette Harriman, on October 12, 1946. They settled in Lima, Ohio, where George worked in an executive capacity at The City Loan and Savings Company until 1974. He was also a member of the board of directors of The Metropolitan Bank of Lima, and was a founder and member of the board of directors of North American Equitable Life Assurance Corporation, and its succeeding parent North American National Corp. During his years in Lima, George was involved in many civic organizations. He served for 21 years on the board of Lima Memorial Hospital, 7 years as the President; he was elected and served for 6 years on the Lima City School Board; he served on the board of the Lima Community Chest, and with many others, helped form the current United Way of Greater Lima.

Most important to George was his family, and spending time with them. He was active in golf, tennis, skiing, bowling, backyard basketball, ping-pong, and he played a mean game of pool. His pool game was so good that he beat Minnesota Fats at the Lima Club. ("Go ahead kid, tell anyone you want – they'll never believe you.") His kids also remember him as the starter for their many swim meets at Shawnee Country Club.

In 1974, George and Bette moved to John's Island, in Vero Beach, Florida. After a few years of retirement, they bought The Gifted Cook in February 1978, and enjoyed their life together as shop owners. Trips to Dallas and San Francisco yearly to buy for the store were highlights. They were members of John's Island Club, Vero Beach Yacht Club, and George was a founding member of Bent Pine Golf Club.

His family would like to thank all of the amazing and loving people at Grace Rehab Center who cared for him in his final years.

A private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to Dogs For Life, Inc.,

1230 16th Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

www.strunkfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Lima News from Jul. 14 to Jul. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for George Schoonover

30 Entries

peggy shanley

July 28, 2016

my sincerest sympathy to Polly and her family. it was a pleasure to know George when he was in Grace with our Aunt Eunice. they had a very special friendship even though neither of them could hear very well. their smiles told it all. my family and I will never forget him, and mention him always.

Brough Stewart

July 24, 2016

I remember spending time at your house with lots of good energy and fun from both George and Bette. All you kids and your friends made it even more fun. Your parents were great parents and really good people. It's nice to know your dad and mom are rejoined.

Barbara Borgia

July 22, 2016

Dear Polly and family,
Please accept my condolences and prayers on the passing of your father. Mr. Schoonover was such a sweet and gentle person. My beloved Charlie enjoyed sharing mealtime with him at Grace.
May he rest in peace.

Ruth Ann Sturgill

July 21, 2016

So sorry to hear of his passing. Although we never met, I went to school with many of the Schoonovers.
As we are gearing up for another mural honoring those that contributed to a better life in the Lima/ Allen County area, I want to give you contact info if you decide you would like his portrait on the public mural for 2017.
Contact Ruth Ann at [email protected]
Again, so sorry for your loss.

Susan Elliott

July 20, 2016

It was a blessing to get to know George in his last years while at Grace. He greeted me with his smiling, sparkling eyes every day. What a joy! It was my pleasure to get to know the wonderful legacies he and Bette left here - the four of you. We are better for it. God Rest and God Bless.

Kay Timmermeister

July 16, 2016

My Deepest sympathy to Polly, Patty, Tom Nd Charlie. I have a million fond memories of Uncle George and Aunt Betty while growing up in Lima. Now they are reunited with family and friends reliving fond memories of Lima and their children growing up.

Barbara McLeod

July 16, 2016

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We know you will miss him.
Barbara, Patrick, Jeremiah McLeod

J Mitchell

July 16, 2016

What a blessing to have had your loved one for such a long time... I am very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. He will keep in his memory those precious in his eyes until the day he awakens them (Psalms 116:15). My sincerest condolences.

daniel dawe

July 15, 2016

charlie-real sad reading the paper this morning. I have great memories of you're mom and dad. best of luck during this difficult time. ps- my labrodoodle's name is Lula. (your old maids name!)

Paul & Sherry Kitchen

July 15, 2016

Sending our condolences...

William Timmerman

July 15, 2016

George Schoonover was the kind of dad every kid would've wanted to have. He loved my mom (remember, they were related for a while when Jane married Bud Kolter), and he & Betty and Lynn & Jane played golf together. My mom had a peculiar swing that George always kidded her about, and which she always took silently. Later, in Lima, George said let's visit Jane. And while they stood at her marker at Woodlawn, a bird pooped on George. He laughed out loud. He told me that it was my mother repaying him for all his comments about her swing! Rest in peace, sweet, kind, dear man. My condolences to Polly, Patty, Tom, and Charlie.

Dr. Tom Roess

July 15, 2016

George was one of the finest people I have known. It was a pleasure and privilege to have him as a friend. I'm sure he will live on in the loving memories of all of you in the family, and his many friends. Please accept my sincere sympathy.

July 15, 2016

Polly, Patty, Tom and Charlie, My heart breaks for all of you. What an awesome Dad you had and such a wonderful role model. But his greatest contribution will be the ones he leaves behind. I know each of you are making him proud. Prayers for all of you.

Sue Stober Briem Lake Eufaula, OK

July 15, 2016

I served with George on the Lima School Board. he was a very kind, intelligent and thoughtful man. Not only that he was certainly a handsome man. I know he will e missed. Sue Basinger

Sandy Schoonover

July 15, 2016

Polly, Patty, Tom and Charlie,
Sweet, is always the word I think of when I remember Uncle George. Always smiling and ready for fun. You all have been fortunate to have him with you for so long. He was a wonderful Uncle and a great husband and dad. May he rest in the arms of the Lord and spend eternity with his Betty. Love.
Sandy

Jeff Thompson

July 15, 2016

The fondest memory I have of this wonderful man was a round of golf with him at Shawnee. I was probably 14-15 years old and was at the club looking to play on a Saturday morning. So happened he was there so we paired up and teed off on number 10. We played the first nine in about an hour and a half, and the 10 tee was still open. We played the back nine again. Just the two of us. One of my best golf memories. A great man, a wonderful player and a true, true gentleman.

Jill Wolf

July 14, 2016

Polly, Patty, Tom and Charlie,

My heart is with you all, as I know the pain of parting with a wonderful father. You had amazing parents and the thought of them being together again warms my heart. Savor your memories.......you have wonderful ones. George was one of the good guys! May he rest in peace!

Lt Geo. F. Schoonover 8th AF, 479th FG, 435th FS, and Chief Mechanic Fred Johnson

July 14, 2016

William Timmerman

July 14, 2016

Growing up, I called him Mr. Schoonover. Always, always thought he was great guy. If I had not grown up with a great father, Lynn D. Timmerman, I would've wanted George as my dad! I've posted a photo of George with his P-51 and Chief Mechanic. Check out pack of Camels in his pants pocket! He loved my mom, and for that I love him!

Jobie Watters

July 14, 2016

My condolence with you and your family, I will always remember the memories of George and I felt like part of the family. You will always be in my prayers and heart.

Nancy Leonard

July 14, 2016

Dear Polly, Patty, Tom & Charlie,
My memories of your dad go back as far as I can remember! From backyard tag football games to the infamous basement parties, your home was always open and I feel like I was there as much as I was at my own home. Your parents always made us feel like we were all their kids.
Cherish your memories, they will give you immense joy forever. And smile through your sadness knowing that George and Bette are together again.

Gib Amstutz

July 14, 2016

Uncle George was my childhood mentor along with my own Dad. George was kind yet stern with me and counseled me on more than one occasion as I was a stubborn kid. Many really fond memories with him and especially when he would give me one of his fireside chats. He was wise beyond his years and raised an awesome family. He is missed.

Christine Zachary

July 13, 2016

Dear, dear Uncle George, I will miss you always, but know you led a wonderful life and gave so much to so many.

July 13, 2016

He was a good one. In my eyes, a kind and gentle soul. Not a lot of inner action growing up. We were twelve years apart. But loved him as an adult, as I loved your mother. They were a pair. Love knowing they are together again, as they should be. You are amazing kids and he loved you dearly!!!! Rest in peace sweet George!!!

Ed Hooper

July 13, 2016

My Sincere Condolences Tom! To You and Your Family. God Bless.

Lucinda Sanchez

July 13, 2016

Such a loss for all of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Patty, I remember you sharing that your daddy and I had the same birthday.... He must have been a wonderful daddy to have raised such wonderful children. Much love, Lucinda

Pam Lauless

July 13, 2016

Sending sympathy from Lima. His gift to Lima was great. God bless you all!

Mally Jones

July 13, 2016

Papa was the most gentle, sweet, and fun man in my life.. I will really miss him.

Tom Schoonover

July 13, 2016

My family and I would like to thank each of you that visit and sign in to our father's guest book. We love hearing from each of you and have appreciated all your posts and messages over the past few days. We would love to have you share any memories you have of Dad here in this guest book.

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