Billy Schoonover

Billy Joe Schoonover, 85, of Apple Valley, California passed away at his home on March 30, 2021. When he took his last breath Mom, Suzie, and Ann were by his side as he peacefully accepted his heavenly call. John and Scott had been there just days before.

Billy was born in Runnells, Iowa to Victor and Maggie Schoonover on May 27, 1935. He grew up in Des Moines, Iowa with his two sisters and graduated from East Des Moines High School in 1953.

His golden heart was apparent to everyone he met. A loving son, husband, father, Papa, Great-grandfather and friend. Daddy always said, there's always room at the table for one more.

He met Marilyn Day at his sister Liz’s 14th birthday party. Billy and Marilyn would attend school dances and CYO together for a couple years and later began dating. When Marilyn turned 18 Billy proposed but they were not officially engaged until April 1, 1956. Soon after Marilyn and her family moved to California and two months later Billy followed. On January 12, 1957 in Monrovia, California Billy and Marilyn were married.

Billy served in the U.S. Army for two years at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii as the company clerk in the 35th Infantry, 25th division, Company A. He ranked E4, Specialist 4. While living in Honolulu, Billy and Marilyn welcomed their first child. After leaving the military they returned home to Monrovia. Over the next five years they added three more children to their family. Later they moved to Downey and then Whittier.

Billy worked his way up to pressman at Pacific Press where he worked for 28 years. Later after the closure of Pacific Press he went to work at Sinclair Printing where he worked for 15 years before retiring in 1999. After retiring they settled in Apple Valley, California.

Together as a family they loved camping and have fond memories of road trips to Iowa to visit family. In 1976 for America’s Bicentennial they drove to Washington D.C. where they spent the 4th of July on the Capital Mall. Other adventures included, Thanksgiving each year camping at Hurkey Creek or Rancho Jurupa.

Our Mr. Fix-it built furniture, a fort/playhouse with the help of the neighborhood kids. He worked hard to support his family. When he had time off, he loved to go camping, fishing, fresh air, beautiful view and nightly TV in the sky with campfire popcorn. He loved listening to music, just laying on the living room floor, hands under his head and foot tapping to the beat of Pete Fountain. Most of all, he loved Marilyn, from the moment they met.

His hands were strong when we were weak and gentle just to hold.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn and their children Suzie Failmezger (Scott) of Oregon City, Oregon, John Schoonover (Franca) of Westminster, California, Scott Schoonover (Randi) of Carson City, Nevada and Ann Varallo of Corona, California. His sister, Ramona Wilson (Don) of Carlisle, Iowa. Grandchildren: Heidi Dunn (Adel B’ghiel), Crystal Miller (Rod), Dr. Matthew Varallo (Heather), Karen Varallo, Garrett Schoonover and Brandon Schoonover. Great grandchildren: Jocelyn Miller, Omar B’ghiel, Tariq B’ghiel, Rose Varallo and Anthony Varallo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Maggie, half-brother, David Schoonover and sister, Elizabeth Emanuel.

To all who had the pleasure of knowing him, please share your memories with us.

Know that he is at peace, comfortable in our Lord's house.

He will be laid to rest at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Apple Valley, California.

Dates for Billy’s services:

Viewing- Sunset Hills Memorial Park, Apple Valley, Ca Thursday April 15th from 5-7pm.

Funeral -Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church, Apple Valley, California

Friday April 16th

Rosary-10:30am

Mass- 11:00am-12:00pm

Graveside burial at Sunset Hills Memorial Park 1:00pm

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Salvation Army, Victorville or Our Lady of the Desert food pantry, Apple Valley.