Obituary: William “Bill” Benjamin Schoenhals

“A measure of a man is in the lives he has touched.”
William “Bill” Schoenhals, 89, was received into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, March 1, 2019.
Bill was born July 16, 1929, in Follett, Texas, to George and Mollie Schoenhals. He was the sixth born in a loving family of eight children and was raised on the family farm. The family was one of strong faith and were members of Follett’s St. John Congregational Church.
Bill graduated from Darrouzett, ISD in 1946. After graduation he worked on the family farm until 1950 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After his service he returned home to the family farm.
He met his bride, Phyllis Service, a teacher from Meeker, Colo., and married in 1961. Together they raised their children Terry, Julena, and Liria on two farms outside Follett and Darrouzett.
Bill had a deep love of animals and on the farm raised just about every critter
imaginable, including an orphaned bobcat, and skunk siblings. Being and avid gardener, Bill took great joy in sharing his abundant harvest with all. He
appreciated the beauty of God’s nature, especially a Panhandle sunset and a golden
wheat field.
Bill was a member of Darrouzett’s First Baptist Church, American Legion Post 635, a 4-H Club leader, and a big supporter of the Darrouzett Longhorns. Having played basketball in high school he especially loved a good basketball game. He also took great pleasure in participating in the melodramas at the annual Deutches Fest.
After retirement Bill and Phyllis moved to her hometown of Meeker, Colo., and were members of Grace Bible Church. Bill became a beloved member of the community. “Wild Bill” was frequently seen heading downtown on his electric scooter to visit the coffee shop, the bank for popcorn, going to lunch, or swinging by Chipper’s to say hello to everyone. Some days were spent tinkering on some ingenious project or lounging with his Chihuahua pups. He entertained all with his humor and storytelling. Bill never met a stranger and always gave of his kind and generous heart. He was lovingly known as Dad, Gramps, Bub, Papa and Wild Bill.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Phyllis, his parents, and siblings Helen, H.E., Esther, Katherine, and George and their respective spouses, son-in-law Dennis Uecke, and other loved family members, and friends.
Bill is survived by his sister Ruth Trew and husband Delbert, brother Sam Schoenhals, children Terry Overstreet, Julena Uecke, Liria Staton and husband Jason. Grandchildren, Gypsy Overstreet, Larin Crase (Danielle), Janine Sluder (Bill), Hunter Overstreet, and Lauren Staton. Great-grandchildren, Nick, Kayden, Kayla (Jonathan), Amanda, McKena, Kailyn, and great-great-granddaughters Sienna and Sophia, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
If so desired memorials in Bill’s name may be made to: The American Legion P.O. Box 52, Darrouzett, Texas, 79024; Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org; Grace Bible Church, P.O. Box 657, Meeker, Colo.; or your charity of choice.
A memorial service and celebration of Bill’s life will be held in Meeker, Colo., at a date to be announced.