John Tracy Schory

Funeral Services for John Tracy Schory, 80, of Etoile, Texas, will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Shafer Funeral Home, with Reverand Jack Knox officiating. Interment will follow at Largent Cemetery.

Mr. Schory was born on July 16, 1945, to the late Elbert Alvin Schory, Jr. and Myrtle Gertrude (Tracy) Schory in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and died on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Lufkin.

John was an avid hunter and fisherman in his older years, and he was an amateur radio operator when he was a young man. He enjoyed building and flying model airplanes, and he loved being a grandpa. His adoring grandchildren called him Poppy. He and his wife moved to Texas in 1986 and joined the First Christian Church. John was a gemologist by trade.

Mr. Schory is survived by his wife of 50 years, Merlinda Schory of Etoile; son and daughter-in-law, Kelly and Rachel Schory of Franklin, GA; grandson, Benjamin Schory of Franklin, GA; granddaughter, Annabelle Schory of Franklin, GA; and nephew, Glen Schory of Hopkinsville, KY.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elbert A. Schory, Jr.; and nephew, Dale Schory.

Pallbearers will be Jay Thornton, Arlin Grimes, John Porter, Ron Hufford, Lee Bridges, and Cody Lord.

Honorary pallbearers will be First Christian Disciples of Christ Men's Fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, special memorial donations may be made to the First Christian Church John Schory Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Shafer Funeral Home.

Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.