Obituary
Homer Ray “Scooter” Schoonover of The Villages, Florida and Brethren, Michigan Ray Schoonover, Age 86, passed away Tuesday, March 31, at home with his wife MaryAnn by his side. He was born on July 10, 1933, in Livingston, Kentucky to Retha Schoonover and Oscar Mobley. Ray was preceded in death by: his parents, siblings Elmo Schoonover, Verna Speaker, Jeanne Swaggert, and Barbara Nichols; grandson Nicholas Delabbio; stepdaughter Kimberly Redmond.
Ray leaves behind the loves of his life, including wife MaryAnn, daughter Connie (Daryl) Delabbio and grandchildren Juliette (Paul) Abbott, Gianina (Nikolai) Reichborn, and Laurel (Micah) Swalley; stepson Kevin (Nancy) Cairns and son Dante, stepdaughter Kelly Fortier, sons Anthony and Michael, Nicole (Mark) Simpson, son Nathaniel and daughter Aubree, Terra Cote, son Jaymon and daughter Zaria, and Ian (Lauren) Redmond, and many loved nieces and nephews in Michigan and Kentucky.
Ray attended Annville Institute, contemplated ministry, even with some interest in his talent by
the New York Yankees but followed his heart to serve in the U.S. Air Force as an airplane mechanic in the Korean War. He married Rose M. Piros of Ecorse, Mi. in 1954, and worked at McLouth Steel Corporation and later started Schoonover Steel. In 1980, Ray married MaryAnn Bardelli Cairns and celebrated their 39th anniversary last September 20. Ray was a Master Mason and a Shriner, giving generously of his time and abilities. His legacy of love and generosity was instrumental in the building of Epworth United Methodist Church in Brethren, Mi. Ray was ALWAYS the first to help, and last to ask for any.
Ray will be remembered for his charismatic personality, generous spirit and ability to talk to anyone, frequently telling jokes and breaking into song. He was industrious, motivated, and a gifted engineer who had the ability to think through problems and find solutions. When he entered a room, joy would come to all. Life truly won’t be the same without him. Due to the pandemic, a memorial service will be planned at a later time. Online Condolence may be said at www.baldwincremation.com.
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