William Ray Schoonover (Bill)

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A lifelong resident of Pagosa Springs, William Ray Schoonover (Bill), 75, passed Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. A joint come-and-go memorial service for Bill and Linda will be held at the Timber Ridge Clubhouse, 31 Shooting Star Drive, in Pagosa Springs, Colo., on Feb. 22, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Bill was born April 14, 1949, to Wayne William and Helen Lucille Schoonover. He grew up alongside his sister, Susan Schoonover, in Pagosa Springs, being ornery and having fun. After high school he met the love of his life, Linda Kay Flanagain. They married Dec. 20, 1971, and together they raised their children, Mark and Gale. Bill and Linda have three grandsons — Blake, Dillon and Bryan — and three great-grandchildren.

From an early age, Bill had a love of cars. His parents owned a local wrecking yard, and he grew up towing and working on vehicles. He had an amazing talent of restoration and knowledge of classic cars. He worked alongside his parents until they retired in 1978. He then started his own business, Bill’s Garage. He dedicated 48 years total to the industry before retiring in 2011.

Bill spent a lifetime in the automotive industry and, even after retirement, he maintained a loyal client base who trusted only him with their cars. He found joy in tinkering and working on projects in his garage, always staying connected to his passion for cars.

In August 1974, Bill completed the emergency medical technician (EMT) training course, building on his commitment to helping others in emergency situations. This training further fueled his passion for serving those in need, a drive that had already been evident in his work assisting individuals who required towing services. His dedication was later recognized with a special award for outstanding service and support to the EMT organization, underscoring his commitment to making a difference in his community.

Bill was an avid fisherman and spent countless hours on the lake, and camped often with friends and family. He found joy in the quiet rhythm of fishing and the camaraderie that came with it.

His love for the outdoors extended beyond fishing; he was also a dedicated gun enthusiast, sharing his knowledge and passion with his grandsons. Above all, Bill was deeply proud of his family. He cherished every moment spent with them.

In their retirement years, Bill and Linda found immense joy in caring for their sweet great-granddaughter, Moxie. She was the highlight of their days, filling their time with walks, playful activities and precious moments. Bill, always eager for adventure, continued to ride his motorcycle daily, savoring the freedom of the open road. Together, they embraced this new chapter.

His sharp sense of humor lives on through his family, who still laugh at the nicknames he gave each of them. Papa had a special way of making everyone feel unique. We will never forget his humor and wisdom.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Gale Weber (Kenny Young); his grandsons, Blake Weber (Crystal Hess), Dillon Weber (Roma Kreeger) and his great-granddaughter, Moxie Weber; his sister, Susan Hugel; grandson Bryan Schoonover; and great-grandchildren, Willa Helen and Stanley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Helen Schoonover, son Mark Schoonover and his dear wife, Linda.