WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Eldon George Schrader passed away early Saturday morning, June 11, 2022 at his home with his daughter Lorrie at his side.
He was born October 6, 1931 in Sturgis, son of the late George Fredrick and Marie (Worrall) Schrader.
Eldon was a lifelong Sturgis resident.
On April 2, 1971 he married Gloria M. (Kinder) Barkby in Centreville. She preceded him in death January 22, 2018.
Eldon was a talented welder by trade. In 1992 he retired from Burr Oak Tool & Gauge in Sturgis following 21 years of dedicated employment. Following his retirement he owned and operated his logging business. He had also been employed by Burr Aluminum for 12 years and from 1953-1960 he worked at the American Planter Company, both in Burr Oak.
Eldon had a passion for the sport of stock car racing. He entered his first race on the track of Mottville Motor Speedway where at the age of 69 he posted his last race. During those years he raced throughout the Midwest and into the eastern states. He realized a dream when he was inducted in the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame with the class of 2020.
Eldon enjoyed mushroom hunting in northern Michigan and was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He is survived by two daughters: Lorrie Mangum of Sturgis and Rose Marie Schrader of Dublin, Georgia; two step-sons: John Barkby of Green Bay, Wisconsin and Dennis Barkby of White Pigeon; seven grandsons; 8 great grandchildren.
Eldon was preceded in death by his wife; daughter: Debbie Sweet; son: Eldon Schrader, Jr.; grandson: Matthew Mangum; brother: Wilbur “Jake” Schrader and four sisters: Rosemary Hamm, Wilda Weinberg, Shirley Henschel and Beatrice Schrader.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. A graveside service and burial will take place at 10:00 A.M. Thursday at the Sturgis Memorial Gardens in Sturgis. The Rev. Randy Evans of the New Beginnings Church in Sturgis will officiate.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
