October 9, 1929 - June 25, 2016

Billy Schonert, 86, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was lifted into the arms of his Savior on Saturday, June 25, 2016.

Billy was the eighth of nine children, born October 9, 1929, to Paul and Marie Schonert, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1947. He immediately began apprenticeships at Missouri Pacific Railroad, leading to 42 years of service and leadership, interrupted only for service to his country in Korea from 1951 to 1952. This experience contributed to a deep appreciation of his country and beloved state of Arkansas. He married fellow Trinity Lutheran Church charter member and soulmate, Kathryn Agnes Koehler, on October 19, 1953, welcoming daughter Sheila 10 years later.

Billy built their home on Kathryn's family property near her birthplace, and never stopped adding and updating over the years, to reflect their love of church and family. During his working years, and especially after retirement, Billy served in many roles at Trinity including elder, usher, but most loved chairing the Property Committee. He completed and coordinated countless improvements and repairs at the church and its child care center, many of which are still visible and appreciated today.

Until moving to Fort Worth in 2013, he and Kathryn traveled there many times by car, plane, or train to be with their 'kids', as well as vacationing with them across the country and to Germany. Billy's family, friends, and neighbors will always remember his love of fixing and building just about anything, love of dogs, and most importantly, his funny, friendly, playful, generous nature.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn; his parents; all of his siblings: Werner, Paul, Herb, Charles, Fred, and Eddie Schonert, Lottie Pulliam, and Edith Menking.

He is survived by his daughter Sheila Griffin and husband Ed; grandchildren, Benjamin and Kristen, all of Fort Worth; one brother, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, June 5, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd. North Little Rock, AR 72116 (501-791-7400)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 3802 N. Olive St. North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72116, or the Comfort Dog Ministry at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1800 W. Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76102.

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