George Joseph Schichtl

George Joseph Schichtl, 84, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Conway Regional Medical Center. He was born April 23, 1930, in Conway to the late George M. and Anna Mae (Halter) Schichtl. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Anna Mae "Pete" and her husband John W. "Doc" Hart, and his sister-in-law Angel Schichtl. George attended St. Joseph schools, Arkansas State Teachers College, and Bailey Technical School (St. Louis). He worked as a diesel mechanic and representative for Detroit Diesel at Wilkerson Diesel in North Little Rock, Arkansas for 26 years before retiring when the business closed. He was awarded the Craftsman & Partsman Guild's Top Man Award in 1966 and 1968. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Father Dellert Council 4143 of the Knights of Columbus where he was a fourth degree knight. He enjoyed hunting with his family and friends in the Nady and Toad Suck Hunting Clubs. He also enjoyed serving as "barker" for the Country Store at the annual St. Joseph Bazaar. George loved to tell and hear good jokes and he loved to share a beer and a good story with his family and friends around the campfire at deer camp. His happiest times were spent with his family camping, hunting, and fishing. He is finally free to roam the woods and streams he loved so much. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Elizabeth Stuart "Beth"; one daughter, Christy Ann (Rusty) Hogan; five sons, George William, Thomas Keller (Deanna), Kenneth Leo (Betty), Curtis Edward, and Michael Stuart "Dink" (Terri) Schichtl; 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sister, Della Duclos; brothers, Jim, Tom, Will, Robert, Ed, and Butch Schichtl. The family would like to thank the staff of Conway Health Care and Rehabilitation and Hospice Home Care in Conway for their care, consideration, and appreciation of our husband, father, and grandfather. We would also like to thank the nurses, therapists, and doctors on the Third Floor North at Conway Regional hospital for their care and compassion as we made our way through this difficult process. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Robert Cigainero officiating. Interment will follow in the Crestlawn Memorial Park. George's six children will serve as pallbearers. "He carried us through life. We will carry him to his final destination on earth." His 19 grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. A Rosary will be Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. with the visitation to follow until 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Joseph School Endowment "Schichtl Family Tuition Assistance Fund," P.O. Box 72, Conway, Ark. 72033. For online obituary www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.