Schomaker, Robert

Robert C. "Bob" Schomaker, 85, of New Baden, died Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden. He was born June 7, 1923 in Albers, son of Bernard H., Sr. & Theresa (Baahlmann) Schomaker. He married Mildred L. Hemann on July 7, 1941 in St. Barbara Church in Okawville, IL and she preceded him in death on January 8, 2003. He is survived by a son, Allen B. (Deborah) Schomaker of Edwardsville, a daughter, Yvonne T. "Vonnie" Crocken of Trenton; three grandchildren, Kelly (Walt) Crocken-Figi , Kim (Mike) Hutcheson all of Belleville, and E. Marshall Crocken of Fairview Heights; four great-grandchildren, Jamie Blair, Tristan Blair, Hannah Hutcheson, and Nicholas Hutcheson all of Belleville; a brother, Daniel Schomaker, two sisters, Theresa Benson and Esther (Robert) Riedel all of Shiloh; and a sister-in-law, Geraldine "Gerri" Schomaker of St. Louis, MO. In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Loretta Hodel and Elsie Little; a brother, Bernard H. "Bernie" Schomaker, Jr.; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward Hodel, Wesley Little, Alan Benson, and Lois Schomaker; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Helen "Mamie" Hemann. Mr. Schomaker was born and raised in Albers, then moved to New Baden and was an Insurance Agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company for 30 years. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during WWII and was a member of the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden. He was Asst. Chief & Chief of the Scott A.F.B. Fire Dept. for 30 years and was a volunteer fireman for the New Baden Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of St. George Parish, was a former trustee for the parish, and sang tenor in Schomaker’s Choir at the church while his wife, Mildred, played the organ and his six brothers and sisters and his son and daughter all sang. He was also a former member of the Wesclin School Board. Bob worked at various jobs during his life including jobs at Hempen Hardware, Hills Bakery and the New Baden Post Office. He also grafted pecan and fruit trees in 6 to 7 counties. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2009 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Neff officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, New Baden. Friends may call Sunday, April 26, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. & Monday, April 27, 2009 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. There will be a parish prayer service at 4 p.m., the New Baden American Legion will visit at 7 p.m., and the New Baden Fire Dept will visit at 7:30 p.m. all Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Baden Food Pantry and will be received at the funeral home.