Frank Rea SCHOONOVER

1933 - 2022

March 5, 1933 – October 27, 2022

With saddened hearts, the family of Lieutenant Colonel, Frank Schoonover, United States Air Force, Retired, announced the death of their beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather. Colonel Schoonover passed away peacefully at Hospice of Spokane, Hospice House, room 4, at 10:03 AM. He was born in New York City, New York, to Chester and Annie Schoonover.

He was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Brunhilde Schoonover, in 2019; and is survived by two daughters, Angela Schoonover and Veronica Smet; one son, Frank; three grandchildren, Hilary, Hannah and Heidi; and one great-grandchild, Arlo; He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, William and Walter.

Col. Schoonover, whose father was a career Army soldier, grew up in many places throughout this country and overseas. He graduated from Heidelberg Army High School, Heidelberg, Germany and attended the University of Maryland, European Campus, in Munich, Germany.

As a young man, he earned an Eagle Scout rating in the Boy Scouts of America.

Col. Schoonover enlisted in the Air Force in 1953. He was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in 1955 and was rated as a navigator/ bombardier. During his Air Force career, he served at a variety of stations throughout the United States and overseas, including Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Colonel Schoonover was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight, the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters for meritorious achievement, the Air Force Commendation with 3 Oak leaf Clusters and numerous other decorations. He was rated as a Master Instructor Navigator and had close to 20,000 hours of flight time. He retired from the Air Force in 1973. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Distinguished Flying Cross Association, the Military Officer's Association of America, the Air Rescue Association, and the Air Force Navigators Observers Association.

Col. Schoonover spent ten years locally in the financial industry, primarily in the public relations arena. He thereafter operated his own marketing/public relations/association management business for an additional ten years before retiring.

Mr. Schoonover served as president of the Spokane Humane Society and was the executive director of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Spokane for nine years. He was a graduate of Leadership Spokane, a past president and member emeritus of the Spokane Public Relations Council, a former director of the Spokane Advertising Federation, and a member of Spokane Eagles Aerie for almost 30 years. During his residency in Spokane, he donated his time and expertise to a variety of causes and non-profit organizations.

Our father exemplified kindness, faithfulness, compassion and integrity. He was a devoted husband, steadfast father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Late in life he was an adoring boyfriend. He touched so many hearts in his lifetime, making so many lifelong friendships. He never judged, cursed, or thought ill of any person. Our father was our example of a loving human being. His lessons to us will never diminish. We love you Dad!

A private memorial service will be held at the Washington State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Medical Lake at a later date this spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Spokane or the charity of one's choice.

O God, your sky is so great and my plane is so small. Be with me.