Sidney Schaller

Sidney "Papa" Schaller, known affectionately as Sid, departed this life on June 19, 2025, surrounded by the love and warmth of his family at his daughter's home in Columbus, IL. Friends and Family are invited to Sidney's Life Celebration at a visitation to be held from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Friday, June 27, 2025, at the James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Born on January 16, 1944, in Benbow, MO, Sid was the cherished son of Edward O. and Jessie L. Sewell Schaller. Despite the heartbreaking loss of his mother at age nine and his father two years later, which led to his time in an orphanage in St. Louis, MO, Sid emerged as a beacon of love, care, and compassion that illuminated the lives of all who knew him. Sid's journey through life was rich with experiences and relationships. He was united in marriage to Cheryl R. Stathakis on February 25, 1967, they later divorced. He was later previously married to Terri Ann Adams on June 19, 2006. The legacy of love he leaves behind is reflected in his four children, Sidney W. (Rebecca) Schaller Jr., James E. (Monica) Schaller, Kellee (Roy) Gillum, Anna (Craig) Laurich; his four stepchildren, Tiffany Garrett, Cassandra Boggs, Samantha Boggs, and Kimberly Boggs; as well as his adored grandchildren, Brooklyn, Kimberlee, Kearston, Taylor, Brittanie, Jamie, Melanie, McKenzie, Juniper, Terrance, Dekota, Kaira, Athena and Zoey and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Josephine, Brantlee, Brayden, Elijah, Derrick, Bobby, Katie, Landon, Liam, Chloe and Dezme, who brought immeasurable joy to his life. Sid's work ethic was as strong as his spirit. His career spanned many fields, from The Paper Box to EMT, The Village of Camp Point, and janitor for Central Schools. Yet, it was his over 35 years as a long-haul truck driver that he took great pride in. Even in retirement, Sid's industrious nature shone through as he drove a cab and delivered for Pizza Hut. Sid's heart, however, was always with his family, whom he supported unwaveringly as the steadfast "man" of the house. A devout Christian, Sid's faith guided his actions and enriched his soul. His interests were diverse and deeply rooted in the simple pleasures of life. From the joy of picking blackberries with his grandchildren to savoring his favorite blackberry cobbler and German chocolate cake, Sid found happiness in life's moments. He was a picture of elegance in his Stetson and bolo tie and an ardent fan of old westerns, with John Wayne and "The Rifleman" being among his favorites. His love for vintage cars, especially his old '56 Pink Cadillac and 1967 Pontiac GTO, was only matched by his passion for riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Sid's humor, generosity, and loving nature were the pillars of his character. He was a true "Master Mr. Fix-it" and a "MacGyver" of sorts, with a talent for repair that knew no bounds. He was a teacher at heart, always eager to share his wealth of knowledge with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Behind the wheel of any vehicle, Sid felt a sense of freedom and joy, with the road being his favored place of solace and adventure. In addition to his parents, Sid was preceded in death by his siblings Varele, Clem, and Eldridge, his daughter Kimberlee Schaller, four half-siblings, and his beloved dog, Tiny. He is survived by his loving family, who will continue to cherish his memory and embody the lessons of kindness and resilience he imparted. Sidney "Papa" Schaller's life was a testament to the enduring power of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of family. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered as the funny, generous, and loving man who enriched the lives of many. Sid's journey may have come to a peaceful end, but his legacy will continue to traverse the roads of time through the lives of those he touched. Memorial services will be conducted at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Crossing Church, 150 S. 48th St., Quincy, IL, by Rev. Sheri Renner. Private family burial services will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Camp Point. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the Crossing Church. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sidney, please visit our floral store.