Retired Major Bernard Eugene Schnieders, 91, Livingston, Texas, died August 21, 2024. from an auto accident in Woodward, Okla.
Born March 12, 1933, in Galena, Bernard was the son of Joseph Bernard and Marjorie (McKinzie) Schnieders. He was raised in Galena and graduated from Galena High School in 1951.
He entered the U S Air Force in 1953 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He rose to the rank of Major and retired from duty in 1973.
Bernard later worked as a supervisor at Farmer’s Chemical Company in Joplin, Mo. retiring after 20 years of employment.
He was of the Catholic faith. Bernard was a member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus in Galena, and the Escapees Camping Club. He enjoyed touring the country in his travel trailer.
Bernard was first married to Sue Valbonesi. He later married Betty Watson October 1, 2010, in North Carolina. She preceded him in death June 30, 2021.
Survivors include his sister, Lois LaTurner of Riverton; seven stepchildren, Carla Todar, Susanna Lopez, Joyce Mongelli, Geraldine Spinner, Sara Watson, Robert Watson, and Kathy Watson, and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 14, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Galena. The celebrant will be Fr. Chris Martin. Inurnment will be at the Houston Veteran Cemetery in Houston, Texas at a later date.
Rosary prayer service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 14, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Galena.