Fred W. "Bill" Schoonover age 94 of Cabot passed away November 1, 2015. He was born the first child to Fred H. & Coral Bosier Schoonover on May 18, 1921 at their home in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He grew up in town where he attended grade school and high school and graduated in 1941. Bill did odd jobs from graduation until December 7, 1942 when he enlisted in the United States Army. After Basic Training and other class work, he spent some time overseas in China, Burma and in the India Theater of Operation.

On June 30, 1946 he married Norma Jean Lower and to this union two children were born, Clark LeRoy in 1952 and Beth Colleen in 1954. Bill had a dream of being a farmer, but he found the only way that he was able to afford his dream was to work for farmers. And he found much joy and fulfillment in this endeavor.

In early 1960 they moved from the farm to begin the next chapter in their life when they moved into town and opened his upholstery shop. He developed his business and made many customers and many friends through his business until his retirement in 1983. Bill liked woodworking and always enjoyed looking for something to make for those he cared for. Bill enjoyed reading, fishing and spending time with his friends and family and especially loved when he could be of help to others.

Bill had two very deep loves in his life other than Ms. Norma and his family. One of those was his love for his country. He was proud of the service that he gave to his country during World War II and spent much time talking about his service and others service that was given to the country that he loved so much. He was a member of the American Legion for over 70 years. In the spring of 2015, Bill had the privilege to travel to Washington DC along with his grandson Rich to visit the World War II Monument along with many other sites in his Nation's Capital that have been made in honor of those who have served their country.

The second and most important in his life was he love his God and his church and found much comfort and security in his church. Wherever he and Norma went, they found a church family and became very active in it in whatever way they were asked. Bill and Norma moved to Heber Springs, Arkansas and found a small church with a big heart and they became a huge part of Rose Bud United Methodist Church.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Fred H. and Coral Schoonover, his wife Norma Jean Schoonover on February 17, 2014, their children Clark LeRoy Schoonover and Beth Colleen Schoonover VanRoekel, sister Dorothy Grace Schoonover Brutsche and brother-in-law William Lower.

He is survived by his brother Rex Schoonover and wife Sandra; sisters Millicent "Pete" Schoonover Christensen and Eleanor "Jane" Schoonover Brill; daughter-in-law Diana Schoonover; son-in-law Roy VanRoekel; five grandchildren Aaron & Amy Schoonover, Jenen & Joey Williams, Jacob & Rose Schoonover, Richard & Alison VanRoekel and Kourtney Howard; 7 great-grandchildren Branden Schoonover, Adam Schoonover, Madyson Williams, Zayne Williams, Chayse VanRoekel, Emily Howard and Bill Howard; three nieces, two nephews, cousins and a host of friends and family.

Memorial services will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Rose Bud Methodist Church in Rose Bud, Arkansas with interment immediately following at Rose Bud Cemetery with military honors.  Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service,  501-941-7888.