Ronald E. Schoonover was born in Enid, Oklahoma on November 28, 1924, to Charles Edward and Viola Marie Schoonover. Ron attended public schools in Enid until August 19, 1941, when at the age of 16 he signed up with the United States Army Air Corps while his parents were out of town.
During World War II, Ron was assigned as a B-17 Flight Engineer Top Turret Gunner to the 351st Bomb Group, 509 Squadron in Polk Brook, England. He flew 35 missions over German and German-occupied territory finishing his tour of duty in March 1945. He was honorably discharged from service on August 20, 1945, decorated with the Air Medal, five Oak Leaf Clusters, and the European Theater of Operations medal with two battle stars.
On November 8, 1945, less than three months after his discharge Ron reenlisted and attended the P80 Shooting Star Jet Aircraft School at March Field, California. It was at March Field where Ron met Myrtle June Zamarripa, a medical technician with the Women's Army Corp.
Ron and June were married on September 2, 1946. Through their nearly 70 years together, they traveled around the world to Japan, Germany, England, Australia, Okinawa, and numerous cities across the United States. Along the way, June gave birth to their five children: Cynthia Barrientes, Marilyn Tackett, Celia Schoonover, Robert Schoonover, and Thomas Schoonover.
After retiring from service and his long-time employment with General Electric in April 1987, Ron became active in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He served as Deacon Elder, Teacher, Lay Minister, conducted three Revelation Seminars, helped organize and build the South Austin Seventh Day Adventist Church and administered the Discover Bible Course.
Ron is survived by his four children: Cindy, Celia, Robert, and Thomas; eight grandchildren: Ronnie Carden, Richard Tackett, Angela Tackett, Stephen Larsen, Courtney Chavez, Jonathan Barrientes, Aaron Schoonover, and Ethan Schoonover; and three great grandchildren: Cameron Tackett, Tyler Carden, and Elena Chavez.
Ron is predeceased by June, who passed on May 8, 2016, his daughter Marilyn Tackett, his granddaughter Lauren Emily Schoonover, and his son-in-law Raul Chavez.
Our family lost a true beacon of light and strength. His faith and love will live on in our memories.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18