Gordon Schoonover

Gordon Schoonover experienced many things in his lifetime that showed him the importance of appreciating what he had. He had accumulated knowledge, compassion and wisdom from his life experiences, gleaning from both the positive and the challenging events that life brought him. The man Gordon grew into reflected this fact, as he was a kind, hardworking and dependable man people were proud to know.

With the end of the Great War, the year 1919 marked a time of change in American history, as young servicemen returned home from war to start their families amidst a booming post-war economy. Harry Schoonover and his wife, Mildred (Blomely), of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were among the many expecting parents, and on February 16, 1919, they welcomed the birth of their only child, a son they named Gordon James Edward.

Up until the age of ten, Gordon had a pretty typical childhood. Then, in 1929, his mother died and he spent the rest of his growing up years living with various family members, which meant a lot of moving around. Gordon attended Stocking Elementary School and Union High School, but left before graduating. He eventually earned his GED while in the military.

After the U.S. became embroiled in World War II, Gordon heard the call to serve his country, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He bravely served in New Guinea during the war and shortly after his honorable discharge, he decided to make a career in the military and joined the Michigan National Guard. Gordon served for 38 years in the Guard during which time he attained the rank of CW4 before retiring in the late 1970s.

It was during this time that Gordon married his one true love, Arleigh, and they had a son together, James. Gordon and Arleigh loved to travel, and did so extensively throughout the U.S., including to Alaska and Hawaii, and to Europe. They took just about every mode of transportation on these trips, whether by train, automobile or their motor home, which they had for some time. For many years, the couple also rented the same cottage every summer, where they shared many wonderful memories together and later with their grandchildren.

Gordon liked to keep busy and had several hobbies he enjoyed, like fishing. A tinkerer by nature, Gordon spent countless hours just tinkering around with stuff in his garage. He had a passion for cars and owned many throughout his lifetime, and to keep up on the latest and greatest cars, he avidly read car magazines. The Schoonover home almost always had a pet running around; they had several cats and dogs over the years. One of Gordon’s favorite activitiess was going out to eat, which he enjoyed doing as often as he could.

Being both a social and natural leader, it was no surprise that Gordon served as such in several organizations that gained him respect and notoriety throughout his community. He was a Life Member, Past Master and Past Secretary of the Grand River Lodge #34 F&AM, Past Commander and Past Recorder of DeMolai #5, Past Thrice Illustrious Master and Recorder of Tyre Council #10, Past High Priest and Secretary of Grand Rapids Chapter #7 of Royal Arch Masons. He was also Past Commander of Legion of Honor, Saladin Shrine, member of the Allied Masons, Mt. Moriah #128 and Past Sovereign Master, Past State President of Michigan High Twelve Club #234, Past President Furniture City Post, Past W.O.S of Palestine #1, White Shrine of Jerusalem, member of the Royal Order of Scotland, Holder of the Knight Cross of Honor of MI Priary #22, member and Past Treasurer, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Michigan Forest #190. He was a member of Wallin Congregational Church and Past Boy Scout and Cub Scout Master.

It was said that Gordon was a real “take charge” kind of man, yet he always took time to socialize and show people he cared. In fact, he would often tell a story to lighten the conversation and make others feel at ease.

All who knew Gordon Schoonover will treasure his memory.

Gordon James Edward Schoonover, age 88 of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Gordon is survived by his wife of 70 years, Arleigh; son, James Schoonover; grandchildren: Carolyn (Mark) Meyers, Thomas J. (Debra) Schoonover, Patty (Tim) Foster, Michael Schoonover, Kimberly (Jeremy) Jolicoeur; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Mark Nieuwsma officiating. Interment in Pine Plains Cemetery, Big Rapids. Friends may meet with Gordon’s family on Wednesday, July 18, from 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday one hour prior to the service. Please visit Gordon’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may sign his online guest book or share a memory of Gordon with his family.