Lawrence Joseph Schneider

Lawrence Joseph Schneider Jr., 89, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at St. Bernards Medical Center. He was born to the late Lawrence and Eva Schneider on September 30, 1934 in Jonesboro. Lawrence was a devout, life-long member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. As a young man, Lawrence served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany for two years.  While in Germany he was able to connect with many family members there, and he frequently spoke fondly to his children and grandchildren about his visits with German relatives.  In 1968, Lawrence married his childhood friend Teresa Ritter, and together they created a beautiful family through 50 years of marriage.

He retired from Jonesboro’s City Water and Light after working there for more than 35 years. Among Lawrence’s innumerable hobbies and skills, he was a Master woodworker such that every family member has AT LEAST one beautiful clock, with various rock-solid tables, lamps, and rocking horse masterpieces widely dispersed among family and friends.  Lawrence grew much of his family’s food (animal/fruit/vegetable) on his small acreage, and, with Teresa as his partner in the kitchen, they kept family and friends well-stocked with amazing, healthy, and delicious foods (fresh, canned, or frozen) for decades.  One of Lawrence’s passions was watching and feeding birds around the house, which meant that he was always battling pesky squirrels to everyone’s amusement.  However important his battle with the squirrels, his family was the most important aspect of his life, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Lawrence is preceded in death by his wife, Teresa Schneider; sisters, Sister Beatrice Schneider, Mary Ritter, and Sister Eileen Schneider; daughter-in-law, Linda Schneider; brothers-in-law, Scott Burnside, Donald Ritter, Henry (Red) Ritter, and Paul Ritter; and sister-in-law Bernice Elias.

Lawrence is survived by his sons, Andrew Schneider (Sheila) of Harrison and Mark Schneider (April) of Jonesboro; daughter, Diann Thomas (Andrew) of Monett, Missouri; brothers, Paul Schneider, Albert Schneider (Judy), and Herman Schneider; brothers-in-law, Raymond Ritter and Charles Ritter; sisters, Josephine Schneider, Virginia Roy (Martin), Teresa Burnside, and Ruth Giddens (LeRoy); grandchildren, Andrea Cope, Noah Schneider (Blythe), Levi Schneider, Donovan Thomas, Avery Thomas, and Gabe Schneider; and great grandchildren, Stella Schneider and Georgia Schneider.

The visitation will be held Thursday, November 23, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home with a Rosary to follow.

The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Blessed Sacrament School or to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.