Billy Ray Schnaufer

Billy Ray Schnaufer was born on December 30, 1961 to Billie and Marilyn (Kruse) Schnaufer in Los Angeles, California. He enjoyed an adventurous and independent childhood in southern California before moving to the midwest after his parent's divorce. He graduated from Golden City High School in 1979. After graduation he enjoyed spending time farming with the Banta family and spending time with his many friends.
 
As a child he was discipled by his parents as well as his grandmother, Mary Aldridge, and grew in faith in Jesus Christ, which would guide him all of his life. He would be the first one to tell you that he was a sinner in need of a savior and how Jesus had been faithful to him in all that he had been through and that Jesus would do the same for you. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 describes him perfectly: "Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others."

In the summer of 1983, he met Marvadeen White and they quickly fell in love and were married on February 4, 1984. They settled down in Lamar, Missouri and soon welcomed a daughter, Ashley, and then a son, Bradley. As his children grew into adults he gained another son, Jeff Godfrey, and daughter, Kelcy Gulick, through marriage.

For many years Billy devoted himself to hard work, providing for his family. He gave 16 years of dedication to O'Sullivan Industries. Then in 1999, he became a member of the team at the Lamar barn of the Missouri Highway Department. In 2019, Billy and Marva began a long time dream of being the owners and operators of the local Grind Coffee Shop. In 2022, he retired from MoDot after 22 years of service.

In 2010, Billy gained the new title of "Papa". Over the next 12 years it was a great joy for him to welcome his eight grandchildren and watch them grow. Tobias, Eden, Samantha, Bess, Quinn, Silas, Briggs and Judah are a bigger and better legacy than Billy could have hoped for himself.

Billy loved to take his family on trips, both to see the place he grew up and to marvel at God's creation. He was avid outdoorsman who shared his love of hunting with his kids and grandkids. He inherited a keen eye for sports cars and a need for speed from his Dad. He also shared an affinity for scuba diving and riding motorcycles with his brother, Craig.

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. As well as his parents, Billie and Diana Schnaufer and siblings, Kathy and Keith Holden, Craig and Josette Schnaufer, Doug Schnaufer, Chris and Araceli Schnaufer, his mother-in-law, Donna Dick, many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, along with numerous nieces and nephews and even more great nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn; grandmother, Mary; father-in-law, Thomas Dick and sisters-in-law, Melinda Schnaufer and Emily Zietz.

Billy will always be remembered as a strong and capable man; loyal and fiercely protective of those he loved, both family and friends.
 
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 15, 2024 at Nigh Cemetery in Lamar, Missouri.

Contributions are suggested to help the family with expenses and can be made out to Daniel Funeral Home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com