William Richard Schnelt

William “Bill” Richard Schnelt of Rosati/St. James, MO was born on Saturday, July 17, 1943, in St. Louis, MO to William Oscar Schnelt and Mary Katherine Guglielemencci Schnelt. He passed away at his residence on Friday, July 9, 2021 at the age of 77 years, 11 months and 22 days.

He grew up in Valley Park and Affton, MO.  He attended Affton High School and graduated in 1961.  During his junior year in high school, he was the State Wrestling Champion in the heavyweight division and runner-up during his senior year.  He also played football and was the team captain for Affton.  After graduation he was recruited to play football at the University of Missouri - Columbia. He played for Mizzou during his freshman year. While attending college, he met the love of his life, Carla Jane Dingman.  They were married on June 22, 1963 in the A.P. Chapel on the university campus.  To this union, two sons Steven and Richard were born.  They were married for 58 years and they raised their boys in Crawford County, MO.

Bill worked at Meramec Mining Company at Pea Ridge, MO for several years and as a diesel mechanic for a few other businesses.  In 2000, he began working at Wal-Mart Distribution Center and continued there until his retirement.

He was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He liked to bush hog and he took pride in caring for his property in the Rosati area.  Also, during the years, he enjoyed his CB radio.  There were many people he kept in contact with during his free time and some may remember his handle "Buckhorn".

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary Katherine Schnelt; uncle Edward Guglielemencci; aunt Shirley Thomas; and Diane Lakebrink Schnelt.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Carla Jane Dingman Schnelt of Rosati/St. James, MO; children Steven Boyd Schnelt (companion Dolly Goodno Cappa) of Fulton, MO and Richard (Cindy) Schnelt of St. Peters, MO; grandchildren Justin Schnelt and Brandon Schnelt both of St. Peters, MO, Mark (Tonya) Schnelt and Thomas Schnelt all of Columbia, MO, Jack (Kathy) Pryer of Overland, MO, Judy Guglielemencci of Fenton, MO, Mark (Pam) Guglielemencci and Brent Guglielemencci all of House Springs, MO, Harold (Sally) Garret of Orange, CA, Debbie Garret of Trabuco Canyon, CA, Lorna Thompson of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Ralph (Lisa) Thomas of Windsor, MO; many other relatives and friends.

Visitation was from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO. Celebration of Life Service immediately followed at 7:00 PM with Bro. Paul K. Hutson officiating. The family chose cremation as his final disposition.  Memorials were suggested to BJC Hospice, 113 Progress Parkway, Sullivan, MO 63080.

All arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO.

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