Edward C. Schenck Jr., 76, passed away on November 16, 2023, with family at his side.
Ed was born on September 16, 1947, in Galesburg, the first son of Edward C. Schenck and Bernidette Carlson Schenck.
Ed met the love of his life, Bonnie (Stoneking) Schenck, while attending Abingdon High School where they were voted homecoming King and Queen their senior year prior to graduation in1965. They were wedded in marriage on April 3, 1966.
Ed was drafted into the US Army in 1966 where he served our country in Germany and later volunteered for Vietnam where he was a Combat Engineer and honorable discharged 1968. Ed Received several medals while serving our country including National Defense Service Metal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Member, Sharpshooter, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf and three overseas bars.
Ed was a member of several organizations which include being a life member (50+ continuous years) of the Abingdon, IL, American Legion Post 381, a lifetime member of the VVA, member of the Galesburg VFW, and KHE SANH Veterans Association, Inc. Ed was a past member of thr Abingdon Fire Prevention District where he served as Captain, EMT for the Abingdon community, Abingdon Fall Festival Association, Charter member of the Abingdon School Foundation, and member of the Monmouth, IL, Sky Dive Club.
Ed drove fuel trucks and tankers until he was hired by Southern Pacific Railroad as a conductor/brakeman. Southern Pacific was later bought by Union Pacific Railroad under which Ed enjoyed retirement. Ed most loved being with Bonnie and his family while boating or simply watching the Mississippi River at their cabin in Oquawka, IL. He also loved hunting and fishing with his kids and grandchildren at the river or local farms. Ed was also known to enjoy his afternoon “errands” at the Pool Hall with his buddies.
Ed is survived by his wife, Bonnie, and his Mother Bernie. Ed’s siblings include Dan (Cindy) Schenck and Jeanie (Rick) Hanna as well as his sister-in-law, Paula Brackett. Ed’s pride and joy will forever remain his kids, Michelle (Shelly and Tom) Jaros, Barbara (Barbie and Jason) Landers, Edward III (Eddie and Carrie) Schenck as well as his beloved grandkids, Lorana (Laura and Matt) Lundeen, Heather (HD and Brad) Fletcher, Samuel, Erin, Audrey, and Margaret (Maggie) Jaros, John (Jack) Landers, Jacob and Dylan Schenck. Ed was blessed with great grandchildren as well, Camdyn Scott Fletcher and Lorraine (Rainey Mae) Lundeen. Ed is preceded in death by his dad, Edward C. Schenck Sr., his brother Rudolph (Rudie) Schenck and his great granddaughter, Scarlet Rain Lundeen.
Visitation was Monday, November 20, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West in Abingdon from 5 to 7 p.m. A Graveside service was held at 11 a.m. November 21, at the Abingdon Cemetery with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the Abingdon Fire Prevention District or the Abingdon American Legion Post 381 color guard uniform foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com