John Parker Schneidau, Sr.

John Parker Schneidau, Sr. of New Orleans, LA died peacefully in his home on Sunday, March 15, 2020. He was born on July 9, 1922 in New Orleans, LA to Harriet Ellen Parker Schneidau and Gayle Duncan Schneidau, Sr. He grew up in New Orleans and attended Alcee Fortier High School in uptown New Orleans. Before World War II, he attended Tulane University where he was Campus Night Chairman and editor of the Jambalaya Yearbook. During World War II, he left school and joined the United States Navy, attending officer training school at Harvard University. At the war’s conclusion, he returned to New Orleans and enrolled in Loyola University, graduating with a Bachelor of Commercial Science. In his early professional career, he was employed by the Times-Picayune newspaper where he was responsible for public relations and handled the Hollywood and Broadway stars that would come to New Orleans to promote their movies and shows. He would often tell wonderful stories of his adventures as their host – such as the time he took Charlton Heston water skiing. Parker spent his remaining professional life working in the printing industry. He loved his family, friends, Mardi Gras and his church. He was a fifth-generation member of Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church and founded its nursery school and served on its board of directors for many years. He also served on the boards of Friends of the Cabildo and Children’s Hospital. He especially enjoyed the revelry and camaraderie of the Louisiana Club and several carnival organizations. He was a member of Louisiana Lodge #102 F. & A.M. for more than 70 years. He is proceeded in death by his sister Elizabeth Schneidau Minton of Denton, TX and his brother Gayle Schneidau, Jr. of New Orleans. He is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Elizabeth Barkdull Schneidau, and his sons John Parker Schneidau, Jr. (Tammy) of Chalmette, LA and Marc Hall Schneidau (Ellen) Atlanta, GA and grandchildren Ella Schneidau and Parker Schneidau of Atlanta, GA. The family is especially thankful for the care and kindness of Karen Brown.

A private interment for the family will be held. Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the family will have a celebration of life with a funeral service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church Early Childhood Program (3900 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115).