JOHN R. SCHENK

JOHN R. SCHENK

1942 – 2025

John R. Schenk, 82, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at Kirksville Manor Care Center. The son of Paul and Ruby Schenk, he was born on August 5, 1942, in Scotland County, Missouri. He was welcomed by sisters Mary, Joanna, and Esther.

John was a graduate of Scotland County R-1 High School in May 1962 and while in high school he enjoyed running track. After high school he later attended Kirksville State College in Kirksville, MO from 1962-1965. John joined the United States Army in February 1966 and served in Vietnam in the AirBorne 42nd company as a clerk/unit historian.

He married Laura Otte on December 14, 1975, and to this union two children were born: Alison and Joshua.

During John’s life, he never met a person he did not know or a question he would not ask. John loved driving around, taking pictures, talking to strangers, and trying to find the deal of the century. He loved attending auctions and was always proud of his treasures (he had the storage units to prove it). John enjoyed farming.

John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Laura; children, Alison (ex-husband Joseph) and Joshua; sisters Mary and Esther; sisters-in-law: Charlotte, Sweet and Donna Otte; grandchild: Cooper; and grand dog Willa along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his parents Paul and Ruby Schenk; Sister: Joanna; Brother-in-laws: Willis, Donald, Russell, and Lyle Otte and Jessie Morrison and Lynn Cochran; and Sister-in-laws; Betty Morrison and Maurine Cochran

To know John was an entirely special experience. You never knew the comment or question that was going to be stated whether it was appropriate or if a fight was about to start.

Funeral services were held at the Payne Funeral Chapel in Memphis Monday afternoon, 4/14, at 2:00 P.M. with Brother Jack Sumption assisted by Brother Larry Smith.

At the conclusion of the service Full Military Honors were provided by the Wallace W. Gillespie V.F.W. Post # 4598 of Memphis accompanied by Military Honors participants from state outside on the funeral home drive.

Honorary Pallbearers were Lee Parish,Nevin Martin, Brent Rockhold, Joe Closser,Tom Owings, and Ronnie Miller

Online condolences may be shared with the Schenk by logging onto Payne’s website at paynefuneralchapel.com

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Scotland County Nutrition Site or the Memphis V.F.W. Post # 4958 and may be left at or mailed to the Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 E. Madison St., Memphis, Missouri 63555.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Payne Funeral Chapel in Memphis.