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Dr. Robert Allen Schneider, age 88, formerly of Mendon, died Dec. 29, 2018 at his home in Chesapeake, VA where he had resided the past eight years. He was born in Three Rivers, on May 20, 1930 to the late Ray and Alice Schneider. He graduated from Mendon High School with the class of 1948. Bob earned his Medical Degree in 1954 from the University of Michigan cum laude. He entered the US Air Force in October of 1957 and served 24 years as an Officer, Aerospace Medical flight surgeon, family physician, and Hospital Commander at several USAF military bases. In 1962 he earned his Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. Retirement from the military followed in 1981 with the rank of Colonel. With an honorable discharge, he received the following awards and medals: National Defense Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Award, Meritorious Service Award, Outstanding Unit Award, and the AF Commendation Medal.
Bob was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his three children, Joan “Joni” Adele Schneider; parents, Ray and Alice Schneider; and son, Peter Schneider.
Survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 44 years, Lenora Schneider; daughters, Susan (Roger) Flynn of Baton Rouge, LA and Sandra Sherry of Chesapeake, VA; precious grandchildren, Jared (Kaitlyn) Guzzardo , Ashleigh Schneider, Robby Schneider; and his great grandson Grayson Flynn Guzzardo; sisters, Shirley Van Degrift of Cleveland, TN; Jan (Bill) Spence and Phyllis (James) Burke both of Mendon; extended family members, Jessica and Allona Clifton of Chesapeake, VA.
Bob will be remembered for his great quest for knowledge, which he satisfied by reading and surfing the internet. He was always available to provide wisdom without judgement to those who sought his counsel. He had a great love for baseball for which he shared with many, and the ability to focus on important things (not sweat the small stuff). He had a quick wit and compassionate spirit, which was evident in his care for his patients and anyone he met. He lived his life with curiosity rather than judgement, and never lost his “boy from a small town” charm.
The family requests that donations be made to Bob’s favorite charities: The Salvation Army, or the Disabled Veterans Association. A memorial service and military honors will be held Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 11:00 am at the West Mendon Community Church, 22994 Portage Lake Rd., Mendon, MI 49072. Local assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
