August Schneider

Courageous explorer … devoted family-man … public servant … influential professional … tenacious fighter. Augie demonstrated all of these attributes, one of them right up until the day he died on June 5, 2022. Born in Philadelphia, PA on May 20, 1931 to Elsie and Charles Schneider, he was brother and friend to his siblings Charlie, Elsie, Joe and Nicki. In Augie's 91 years, he made his impact on the world in many ways; directly through his own actions and indirectly by positively influencing the lives of his children and grandchildren.

A courageous explorer: After his Korean war service in the Army Security Agency, Augie enrolled at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA. A standout basketball player in high school and in the Army, he played for the college and earned a Bachelor's degree in business administration. With his degree in hand and not much money, he drove west until he ran out of money. Augie took a hotel night auditor job that launched a decades-long career in hotel and restaurant management. He and his wife, Barbara, called a dozen cities in eight states 'home' in their 60 years together.

A devoted family-man: Hotel general managers rarely stayed in a job for over two or three years. Augie made significant sacrifices in his career to manage Lake Ozark Holiday Inn for thirteen years. He did this to give his children, Lynn and Jon, a stable place to grow up and graduate high school. He also supported Barbara's interest in pursuing and receiving her Bachelor's degrees in accounting and business administration. Together, they educated themselves and worked hard to create opportunities for their family.

A public servant: Augie served on a city council, was appointed to a state tourism commission by the governor, and followed his heart often advocating for and fighting against many public initiatives. A true patriot, he held the American flag dear throughout his life. Imagine you were a store owner and some guy walks in and asks, 'Is that your tattered flag?' If you answered yes, you were going to learn about part of the "U.S. Flag Code.' Specifically, he would share that you should never fly a tattered flag and he would ask you to replace it. Most did.

An influential professional: Augie's impact was significant wherever he went, including successfully spearheading the repeal of a state gambling bill that he and many believed would adversely affect their community. He was named the 1980 Missouri Hotel & Motel Association 'Man of the Year' in recognition of his service to the industry. After semi-retirement and shifting to hotel consulting, multiple trips in a day to a Rogers, Arkansas Walmart became a norm for Augie. Always the influencer, he would point out things they did well or could do better. He was there so often and so engaged in improving the store that one of the greeters actually came to believe that he was an important Walmart executive.

A tenacious fighter: Augie's public service pursuits required incomparable levels of tenacity. Perhaps that tenacity was forged by not giving up his pursuit of Barbara. In Central City, CO, he saw her on the street with several other young ladies who were switchboard operators. He later called and asked to speak with one that caught his eye and Barbara, who'd answered, said, "Well, that was me." We'll never really know if it was her, but they hit it off, ultimately leading to his proposal … to which she said 'No.' Really. But he didn't give up, ultimately marrying Barbara on Oct 20, 1961. Decades later, his tenacity was put to the test. Augie fought Alzheimer's disease for many years, holding on longer than anyone expected. A tenacious fighter to the end.

Making a difference was always in Augie's heart. It's likely that Augie never fully appreciated the impact he had. As a hotel manager, he improved the quality of lives by creating experiences that brought families and business people together. He fought for the good of his communities. And, by influencing the lives and works of Jon and Lynn and through them, those of their children, Sarah, Kevin and Emily, countless lives have been and will be shaped, improved, protected, extended, and saved … truly a life well-lived and worth celebrating.

A military committal service and honors ceremony will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on June 17, 2022, followed by a family celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a tribute donation to the Alzheimer's Association Click Here in memory of Augie and/or
join his son, Jon, at the St. Charles County, MO Walk for Alzheimer's on Saturday September 24, 2022. Click Here to donate.


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