Howard Walter Schoene

Howard Walter Schoene, 79, of Olathe, passed away on March 6, 2018 at Olathe Medical Center.
He was born on April 27, 1938 to Arno F. Schoene and Helen Beatrice Schoene at Washington Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

He served our country in the United States Marine Corps from September 1956 to September 1958. After his military service, he worked for Continental Insurance Company as a Commercial Insurance Underwriter until 1994 (35 years). Howard then worked as a Personal Banker for First National Bank of Olathe then Enterprise Bank and Trust from March 4th, 1996, until March 6th, 2018, a total of 22 years.

Howard met his wife, Elli Schoene, in 1963 officially, but they were casually acquainted through the youth programs of the North American Baptist Convention. They were married on May 16, 1964 with over 300 people in attendance- because there were two churches involved. Howard and Elli were blessed with their first son, Kevin, a year later. Howard was very involved with the church as a youth leader in the Boys Brigade program. He also was a member of the church choir, and while in Chicago he also was the church custodian for several years as a source of second income.

In 1967, they welcomed their second son, Brian. In 1970, the Lord blessed them with a third son, Scott. While in Chicago, Howard also umpired the neighborhood Park Districts Baseball games. In 1971, Howard was transferred to St. Louis with the Insurance Company. Not finding a Baptist Church that was suitable, they joined Brentwood Bible Church where Howard served as assistant treasurer, deacon, and church music director for close to 20 years. He continued to work with the Brigade program and then when the church transitioned over to Awanas, he continued working with the youth there. At one time, he took over as leader of the singles group.

In the fall of 1993, the Lord brought Howard to Kansas. Elli followed him in May of '94 and they moved to their present home in Olathe. They joined Olathe Bible Church and Howard served along with his wife as the leaders for the senior Primetimers. He served for over 15 years in that capacity. The time came when the Lord led us from OBC to Blue Valley Baptist, and they continued to serve Him there. Howard went on two mission trips. One with Brentwood Bible Church to Equador to help build a building for a church camp. The other mission trip was to Turkey with a group from OBC to hold a vacation bible school for missionary children while their parents were having an area missions conference.

Since being at Blue Valley Baptist, Howard has enjoyed singing in the choir, being a substitute Sunday School teacher for Pastor Jack Canady, and serving as deacon. When the insurance company went belly up 8 months after Elli moved to KC, Howard was without a job in his middle 50's. Not being a proud man, he cleaned houses with his wife. He tried working for a fast-food restaurant and also worked at a post office by the Gardner Airport. He finally found the perfect job, working at the First National Bank of Olathe. He started as a teller on March 4, 1996 and worked himself into a supervisor of customer service. At one point, he didn't like the pressure of supervising and relinquished his title and just became one of the personal bankers. While working at the bank, he enjoyed a program the bank had called "Buddy Banker". Howard went to Rolling Ridge Elementary School and would show the students the various workings of banking. Howard really enjoyed this time with the students.

Howard still worked everyday and enjoyed being around people. Most of his customers could not believe that he would be turning 80 in April. Howard was a people person and loved to interact with them. He had a servant's heart and I know he will be missed not just by his family and his church, but also his fellow Enterprise workers and friends!

Howard is survived by his loving wife Elli Schoene, his children Kevin Arno and wife Theresa Marie, Brian Alan, Scott Andrew and wife Dorienda Josephine, grandchildren Cody James, Halie Renee, Hannah Nichole, Abigail Michelle, Caleb Walter, Christopher Anthony, Jacob Ryan, Derick Scott, Katya Nicole, and Ethan Christopher.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, brothers Harold and Herbert, and Herbert's wife, Dawn.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 13th from 4 to 8 pm at Blue Valley Baptist Church, Antioch Campus, followed by Funeral services on Wednesday, March 14th at 10:00 am. Interment with military honors in Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Earth's loss is Heaven's gain!

Memorials are suggested to the Mission Southside
18335 West 168th Terrace, Olathe, KS 66062
"Food for His Glory"
c/o Blue Valley Baptist Church
8925 West 151st Street
Overland Park, KS 66221