Robert “Shoe” George Schoenborn, 81, SFC, U.S. Army- retired of Gloucester, born June 22, 1936 in Paris, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on April 7, 2018.
“Shoe” was preceded in death by his parents, George John Schoenborn and Zelda LaVerne Cooley, and a daughter, Patricia Elfriede Schoenborn. “Shoe” was the youngest of four children. All of his siblings preceded him in death.
“Shoe” served 21 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in Gloucester in 1978. During his career, he served two tours in Vietnam. Some of his Army decorations included: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Master Aircraft Badge, Aircraft Mechanic Badge, Air Medal with 180LC, Good Conduct Medal (4th award), Meritorious Service Award. After retiring, “Shoe” worked for Bell Helicopter as a maintenance instructor which landed him in Iran. He was there during the revolt and uprising in Iran and miraculously survived being attacked by the Iranians. After returning to Gloucester, he landed a job with Flight International Aviation in Newport News.
“Shoe” leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Karin B. Schoenborn; three daughters, Ethel Schoenborn and fiancé Kenneth Pettine of Gloucester, Georgia Walker and husband Charles of Mathews, and Carmen Kite and husband Trent of League City, Texas; eight grandchildren, Angela Romero and husband Eddie, Ray Walker and wife Sara, Isaac Walker, Leanne Kampmann and husband Drew, Jessica Ripley and husband Steven, Ashleigh Milhorn and husband, Landon, Lauren Kite, and Brody Kite; and 10 great-grandchildren, Brittany, Kessa, Savannah, Zoe, Adalyn, Jonah, Thomas, Rozalynd, Aiden and Autumn.
“Shoe” enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Whenever “Shoe” met someone new, he would always say, “Just call me ‘Shoe,’ you can’t forget me because you walk on me every day!”
Memorial services were held at Andrews Funeral Home in Gloucester on April 14, 2018 at 11 a.m. Military honors were given and the service was conducted by Chaplain Hicks of Fort Eustis.