John Schneider

A celebration of life gathering for John Schneider, 67, of Melcher-Dallas, will be held
Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Dallcher American Legion
Post 632. No formal services are planned, just a gathering of family and friends to share
stories, enjoy one another's company, and remember John. In lieu of flowers, memorials
are requested to the Dallcher American Legion Post 632.
When asked to describe John Schneider, his family and friends didn't have to think too
hard. He was stubborn, a little ornery, knew exactly what he wanted, and perhaps more
importantly, what he didn't. He had an opinion on most things, although he generally
kept it to himself unless someone asked. Beneath that sometimes tough exterior was a
thoughtful man with a big heart who would do just about anything for his family and
friends. With his rugged good looks and the easy, unhurried way he carried himself,
John was often compared to Sam Elliott. It was a comparison that suited him pretty well.
John was born in Chariton, Iowa, on May 22, 1959, and grew up in Melcher-Dallas, one
of four children born to Ervin "Penny" and Geneva (Scheve) Schneider. Penny and
Geneva raised their children with an appreciation for hard work, responsibility, and
making good choices. Of course, John may have tested those lessons a time or two,
giving his mother more than her fair share of gray hairs along the way.
John attended Melcher-Dallas schools, where he was an excellent athlete, particularly
on the baseball field. At one point, Penny gave him a choice: continue his schooling and
pursue baseball or buy himself a car. For John, the car won out. It was a decision he
would second-guess from time to time over the years, but never really regret. After all,
John always did have a soft spot for a nice set of wheels.
Hard work was something John learned early. As soon as he was old enough, he began
helping his dad dig graves by hand, a family tradition and skill that Penny would
eventually pass along to his sons and grandsons, and everyone in the family has helped
at one time or another, it is simply part of life in the Schneider family.
John went on to work for Meredith Corporation for 28 years before spending several
years with Ideal Ready Mix Co. in Knoxville. At the age of 62, he decided it was time to
retire. John understood that life could be short, and he wasn't interested in spending all
of it working. He wanted time to enjoy his family, his friends, and the things that
mattered most to him.
On July 10, 2004, John married Diana, and the two shared more than 22 years together.
They were especially close, enjoying the everyday moments of life and simply being
together. Diana knew John better than most, including his stubborn streak and ornery
sense of humor, but she also knew the thoughtful, caring man behind it all.
John usually had a cool car or truck and you would recognize them from the license “I
DIG 2”. He enjoyed his close circle of friends and was always willing to lend a hand with
a project, whether it was something small or a job that required a little more muscle.
John was also a strong supporter of local veterans and a member of the Dallcher
American Legion Post 632, where he could regularly be found tending bar on Sunday
afternoons from 1:00 until 4:00. It seems only fitting that his family and friends will
gather there during those very same hours to remember him.
Above all, John loved his family. He was the kind of person who showed how much he
cared by what he did for others. Whether helping his siblings build their homes, working
on his own house, or showing up whenever someone needed an extra pair of hands,
John could be counted on. He shared an especially close bond with his nieces and
nephews, a relationship made even more meaningful following the loss of their parents
at young ages. John took care of the people he loved, often without being asked and
never expecting anything in return.
John may have been stubborn, and he certainly had his ornery moments, but those who
knew him understood there was a good heart behind it all. He was a loyal friend, a
devoted family man, and someone who lived life on his own terms. He knew what
mattered to him,
John passed away October 28, 2026. He was preceded in death by his son, John Paul
Schneider; his parents, Ervin "Penny" and Geneva Schneider; his sister, Marge Gass; 
his brother, Harold Schneider; brother-in-law, Bob Warrick; and nephew, Dave Johnson.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Diana Schneider; children, Sarah Schneider,
Joseph (Crystal) Prendergast, and Katie Prendergast; 7 grandchildren, Kyria, Sawyer,
Ezra, Leela, Joseph, Eli, and Shay; great-grandchild, Bentley; sister, Bert Warrick;
brother-in-law, Harry Gass; sister-in-law, Debbie Schneider; nieces and nephews,
Laurie Goff, Patti (Jim) Russell, Jenny Johnson, Jeff (Shantell) Schneider, and Josh
(Mandy) Schneider; along with many other relatives and friends.