Obituary for William Ray Schohn
William Ray Schohn, 87, of Lebanon entered eternal rest on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Wellspan Good Samaritan Hospital of Lebanon. He was the devoted husband of Marie (Costik) Schohn for 40 years. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife, Marie, and family.
He was born December 16, 1935, in Mt. Oliver, PA and was the loving son of the late Clemat J. and Ethel G. (McBriar).
William retired from the U. S. Air Force with 30 years of honorable service at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He was a proud veteran, having served in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallentry with Palm, for his bravery during the Vietnam conflict. He was also awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal. Following his deployment, he was the Data Automation Chief, a job which he enjoyed and excelled at.
He continued his service as a Yuba City, CA Auxiliary Sheriff Deputy for 6 years, and further served as an El Paso County Colorado Sheriff Deputy for 14 years. Was a member of the Elizabethtown American Legion Post 329, a 32nd degree Mason, International Harvester Scout Club member Colorado Branch, and a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
William dabbled in painting, was an excellent bowler, and loved watching westerns. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge spanning many subjects. His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service. His 50 years of service to his country was his greatest achievement second to his love for his family.
In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his siblings, John J, Malcom E, and Elizabeth L.
In addition to his wife, William is survived by his children, Maria A. Schohn (Richard J. Chang) of CO, Deaion M. Oakley of CO, Eric M. Oakley of NC, Alecia M. Oakley (Ron Forsyth) of CO, Andréa M. Winters (David Stover) Lewisberry, William E. Schohn of CO, Debora Colgrove (William) of CO, James D. Schohn (Lisa) of CO, Robert B. Schohn (Nikki) of CO; sister, Mary Jane Klein, Pittsburgh; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
To know Bill, was to love Bill.
The viewing will be held at Matinchek Funeral Home from 11AM-12:45PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 280 N. Race St. Middletown, PA 17057 with Fr. Timothy Sahd as celebrant. A celebration of his life will be held following the 1 PM Mass, from 2PM-5PM, at the American Legion Post 329, Elizabethtown, PA.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in William’s name to the Humane Society of Lebanon and the Disabled Vets of America (DAV).
The family has entrusted the Matinchek Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 260 E. Main St. Middletown, PA 17057 with the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.matinchekfuneralhome.com
He was born December 16, 1935, in Mt. Oliver, PA and was the loving son of the late Clemat J. and Ethel G. (McBriar).
William retired from the U. S. Air Force with 30 years of honorable service at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. He was a proud veteran, having served in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallentry with Palm, for his bravery during the Vietnam conflict. He was also awarded the Bronze Star and Air Medal. Following his deployment, he was the Data Automation Chief, a job which he enjoyed and excelled at.
He continued his service as a Yuba City, CA Auxiliary Sheriff Deputy for 6 years, and further served as an El Paso County Colorado Sheriff Deputy for 14 years. Was a member of the Elizabethtown American Legion Post 329, a 32nd degree Mason, International Harvester Scout Club member Colorado Branch, and a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
William dabbled in painting, was an excellent bowler, and loved watching westerns. He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge spanning many subjects. His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us that we choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service. His 50 years of service to his country was his greatest achievement second to his love for his family.
In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his siblings, John J, Malcom E, and Elizabeth L.
In addition to his wife, William is survived by his children, Maria A. Schohn (Richard J. Chang) of CO, Deaion M. Oakley of CO, Eric M. Oakley of NC, Alecia M. Oakley (Ron Forsyth) of CO, Andréa M. Winters (David Stover) Lewisberry, William E. Schohn of CO, Debora Colgrove (William) of CO, James D. Schohn (Lisa) of CO, Robert B. Schohn (Nikki) of CO; sister, Mary Jane Klein, Pittsburgh; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
To know Bill, was to love Bill.
The viewing will be held at Matinchek Funeral Home from 11AM-12:45PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 280 N. Race St. Middletown, PA 17057 with Fr. Timothy Sahd as celebrant. A celebration of his life will be held following the 1 PM Mass, from 2PM-5PM, at the American Legion Post 329, Elizabethtown, PA.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in William’s name to the Humane Society of Lebanon and the Disabled Vets of America (DAV).
The family has entrusted the Matinchek Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. 260 E. Main St. Middletown, PA 17057 with the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.matinchekfuneralhome.com