Roger Carroll Schoonover

Roger Carroll Schoonover passed peacefully in his home on August 22, 2020 after a very short but courageous battle with Mesothelioma of the Pleural. Services will be held Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Life service following at 2:00 p.m. The family respectfully requests that masks be worn. Interment at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

Roger was born September 6, 1941 to Merle and Mattie Schoonover. Roger was raised in Des Moines, IA graduating from Tech High in 1960. Roger then joined the Navy serving from 1960-1966. He was so proud to be able to serve and protect this great country that he loved so much.

Roger was a very proud member of Des Moines Iron Workers Local 67 for 50 plus years. As a union member, Roger worked for Overhead Door until he retired in 1998. He was a hardworking man that pushed the rules, his way was the only way which was the right way.

Roger was a member of the following organizations, Des Moines Izaak Walton League, National Coca~Cola Collectors Club, and the American Legion Post 37 of McAllen, TX. He served as a board member on the Iowa Chapter of the Coca~Cola Collectors Club, Drake Neighborhood Association, Journey Credit Union, and formerly Tradesmen Credit Union.

Roger had many hobbies and interests: he loved fishing, making silver jewelry - which he also taught classes for, stained glass, wood working, refinishing antiques, handy man jobs, he made beautiful artwork out of horseshoes and garage door springs, and he was the proud owner of his 1932 Ford roadster which he enjoyed taking to many cars shows all over the country.

Roger was a man of deep faith and loved his Lord God. He was so very proud to be a member of Crossroads Church, Norwalk, IA. He loved his church family so. He proudly made the cross that sits out front of the church’s entrance.

Roger met the love of his life, his soulmate, and best friend, Becky Dorsey, and they were joined in marriage on October 16, 1981. Together they traveled all over the United States, took motorcycle trips, went camping, boating, antiquing, and on many cruises. Roger loved to fish, and even took Becky with him on his yearly Canadian fishing trips a few times. They traveled overseas to several countries, Ireland being his favorite. The last 13 years the couple wintered in Pharr, TX where they enjoyed all the country western music and did a lot of dancing. Roger ran the Park’s recycle program, belonged to the Pharr South Pool League, was active in the church, loved playing water volleyball, and enjoyed the many other activities in the Park.

Roger is survived by his wife Becky; stepdaughter, Courtney (Kurt) Packingham; brother, Dennis (Vicki) Schoonover; brothers-in-law, Pat (Teresa) Dorsey and Mike (Donna) Dorsey; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and his ever present fuzzy buddies, Kasa Kola and Miss Zena. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Mattie Schoonover.

We wish to thank the caregivers from EveryStep Hospice for the wonderful care that they gave Roger.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Izaak Walton League, AHeinz57 Pet Rescue, ARL and EveryStep Hospice or the charity of your choice.

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