Bonnie Lee Schuster was born the son of George Schuster and Artie (Weaver) Schuster on September 4, 1929 in Strafford, Missouri and departed this life January 1, 2015 at his home in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 85 years.
He was united in marriage on April 28, 1950 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Gertrude Dills, who preceded him in death on May 4, 2009.
He is survived by one son, Creig F. Schuster and wife, Dr. Anne Ream of West Plains, Missouri; one daughter, Diane Schuster of Thayer, Missouri; three grandchildren, Shaun Duane Chandler of Thayer, Missouri, and Haley and Matthew McCall, both of West Plains, Missouri; two nieces, Pat Prosser of West Plains, Missouri, and Lisa Schuster of Mountain View, Missouri; two nephews, Steve Monday of Houston, Texas and David Cosby of St. Louis, Missouri; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Artie Schuster; his wife, Gertrude Schuster; one son, George Michael Schuster; one brother, Paul Schuster, and one sister, Georgia Cosby.
Bonnie attended the Thayer High School, graduating with the class of 1948. He was active in his community, serving on the Thayer School Board for many years. He was instrumental in implementing the girls basketball program at Thayer High School. He and Gertrude also enjoyed their membership at the Thayer Country Club.
He was a Conductor for Frisco Railroad, retiring after 42 years of service. He was a member of the United Transportation Union.
After retirement he could be found in his workshop doing what he enjoyed most, woodworking and mechanical work. As most will remember, Bonnie was a people person and enjoyed working and helping others.
He faithfully attended the First Baptist Church in Thayer. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving and caring father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will truly be missed by his family, friends, and the community in which he lived.
Funeral Services will be Monday, January 5, 2015, at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer with Brother Gerald Bounds officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home chapel in Thayer on Sunday evening, January 4th, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, and may be left at the funeral home.
January 2, 2015 @ 5:37 pm
Condolences to Bonnie’s family. He was a role model to some of us boys behind him in school, especially in basketball and football.
January 3, 2015 @ 5:17 pm
My heartfelt condolences to Craig and the rest of the family. At the time that we grew up every dad was a father to his son and also to his sons friends. Bonnie helped and took care of all of us. I had a deep respect for him.
January 3, 2015 @ 5:41 pm
Creig and Diane,
Thinking of you and your family at this time. Prayers for comfort. My sincerest condolences.
January 4, 2015 @ 7:45 am
My father Paul Hackworth worked with Bonnie on the railroad. He was a kind and gentle man and an honor to know. I graduated with his son Mike in 1970. He followed in his dads footsteps and was a good person as well. Creig went to church where I did for a while. He did his dad proud being a kind, generous and honest man as well, Peace to his family who knows he has a mansion over the hilltop,
January 5, 2015 @ 7:40 am
We are so sorry for your family’s loss.
January 5, 2015 @ 10:20 am
Bonnie shared his abilities and zest for life with everyone who got to know him or needed a hand. I’ll miss his jovial personality and dedication to his family, friends, church and the Thayer schools.
January 11, 2015 @ 5:16 pm
Will always remember Bonnie as one of my regulars at the Stateliness when I was a kid waiting tables. He and others of my regulars were very encouraging and generously with tips when I decided to go to college. Sorry for your families loss.