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Leslie John Schull III, age 60, of Three Rivers, passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2021, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, after a recent diagnosis of cancer.
Les was born on December 22, 1960 in Rantoul, Illinois, the son of Leslie John Schull JR and Lois Ida Mary (Nunn) Schull. Leslie was a lifelong resident of Three Rivers and a graduate of Three Rivers High School, Class of 1978. During his school days, Les played basketball and football, along with participating in his church’s youth group and working on cars in his spare time. Many of the friendships and relationships established in his adolescence, carried throughout all stages of his life. One special relationship would be with his high school sweetheart, Wendi Rene’ Hicks.
Wendi and Leslie were married on July 12, 1980, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Three Rivers. During their 40+ years of marriage, they had the honor of raising two respectful sons, who later would bless them with two extraordinary grandchildren. First born son and namesake Leslie “John” Schull IV blessed them with a Granddaughter, Marley Rene’ Cabrera-Schull, after his tour with the U.S. Navy. Their baby boy, Lance William Schull, provided them a grandson, Lance “Bubba” William Schull JR, to not only carry on the Schull name, but create a new family namesake hopefully for generations to come.
As the sole provider for their family, Les was a dedicated worker at Basin Material Handling (V.C.I), in Sturgis as a Laser Operator, where he developed many friendships among his coworkers. Prior to his position with V.C.I, Leslie worked at Day International for countless years; many old classmates, friends, even family were his coworkers during his time there. It was one of his first jobs, Wolf’s Carpeting, that began his willingness to help all his friends and family with their home improvements. If you ask his boys, they remember Les working for himself a lot, with them tagging along either plowing driveways and parking lots or working on people’s cars and houses throughout their childhood.
During the rare occasions where Les was not working, he enjoyed road trips with the family, watching Nascar religiously and even attending the races annually. He played basketball on the city league, in addition to being on a bowling league. He has few bowling trophies thanks to his “Cannon for an arm” proudly displayed at home. Les loved entertaining, making people laugh and smile any chance he could, which led him to becoming a member of “Great American Patriots” performance group, with memorable roles as “The Tin Man” and “Shorty the Clown.” Wendi and Les would spend their leisure time playing board games with friends or relaxing at home watching the squirrels and birds at the feeders outside their patio door. Les was always helping others in any way he could, whether working on cars for friends and family or helping them with any home repairs, or just being there with his advice and love to share. A member of the First Baptist Church of Three Rivers, and lifelong Christian, Les learned patience, understanding, and unconditional love and enjoyed sharing kindness and compassion with everyone.
Remaining to cherish and honor his memory, is his beloved spouse Wendi Rene’ (Hicks) Schull, children, Leslie “John” and April (Love) Schull IV and Lance William Schull (all of Three Rivers). Grandchildren Lance “Bubba” William Schull JR (Burr Oak) and Marley Rene’ Cabrera-Schull (Jacksonville, FL). His Father, Leslie John Schull, JR (Three Rivers), Sister Valoris (Schull) Rouch (Middlebury) Brothers-in-law Randy (Sherrie) Hicks and Scott (Brenda) Hicks (Both of Three Rivers); Sister-in-law Jodi (Hicks) Moore and husband James (Paw Paw). Special family friend, Lynne (Stover) Binder (Three Rivers. Along with countless Nieces and Nephews and lifelong friends.
Preceding in death: Mother Lois (Nunn) Schull, In-Laws William “Forest” Hicks & Judith Ann (Emmons) Hicks. Along with motherly figures: Evelyn (Motter) Schull and Dianne (Watts) Schull.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 16, 2021 between 5 to 7pm and services will be at 11am Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Hohner Funeral Home in Three Rivers, with Steve Miller of New Hope Assembly of God officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Three Rivers. Family and Friends can gather at the Three Rivers American Legion Post #170 from 12 noon to 2pm for a brief luncheon following the services.
Memorial Donations in Leslie’s Name can be made to St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home in care of his arrangements.
