Harold A. Schonaman, 80, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Monday, October 18, 2021, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 7, 1941, in Wabash County the son of John S. and Vivian M. (Schmittler) Schonaman. He married Maris Deffendall on March 13, 1957, and together they have celebrated sixty-four years of marriage, centered around their family.
Harold was a lifelong farmer in Wabash County. He dearly loved farming and was very particular about his work in which he took great pride. Harold always said if he made it to eighty years old and was still farming, he would be happy. His first priority before farming was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Harold was a sweet, kind, and generous man. He loved to cook for his family, and greatly enjoyed getting together with a big pot of chowder. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed camping, boating, and snow mobile trips. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling and was talented at making various wood crafts. Harold was a member of Keensburg Christian Church. He was a good friend to many and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Harold leaves behind his loving wife, Maris; sons, Don Schonaman and wife, Cindy, Ed Schonaman and wife, Cheryl; daughters, Teresa Schrodt and husband, Phil, Amy Clodfelter and husband, Mark; son-in-law, Greg Buchanan; seventeen grandchildren, Annie Blevins, Sarah Kaufman, Jamie Moyemont, Rebecca Schonaman, Matthew Buchanan, Jennifer Greathouse, Julie Price - Dial, Jerrica Riyazi, Philip Schrodt, Derek Schrodt, Landon Schrodt, Jessica Schonaman, John Schonaman, Seth Schonaman, Scarlett Schonaman, Blake Pearson, Brooke Bosecker; and blessed with several great-grandchildren; two nieces, Vickie Schmitt, and Nancy Rosignol.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Harold Alan Schonaman Jr.; two daughters, Karen Edwards, and Cindy Buchanan; grandson, Jacob Price; brother, John Edward Schonaman; and infant sister, Norma Jean Schonaman.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 23, 2021, at Keensburg Christian Church with Pastor Allan Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Saint John Lutheran Cemetery in Wabash County, Illinois.
Family and friends may gather for a Visitation from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m., Friday, October 22, 2021, at Keensburg Christian Church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to Saint John Lutheran Cemetery or Keensburg Christian Church. Envelopes will be available at the Church or may be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry St., Mt. Carmel, Illinois, 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Harold’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Schonaman family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.
