Anton F. Schoener

Anton was born September 12, 1933, to Albert and Agnes (Schlebach) Schoener. He was one of 7 children. His early years were lived on a farm with his parents and 6 brothers and sisters. Growing up during the depression, his family was financially poor. However, he really didn’t realize it until many years later. He grew up learning to work hard, improvise, and treat others as you would family. Daily chores included milking cows, picking cotton, and chopping maize with a butcher knife. Life during WWII was challenging due to the rationing of items such as gasoline, sugar, tires, etc. It was during this time Anton became an entrepreneur long before the word was popular. He discovered he could make almost $3 a night by collecting bottles at the local dance hall. Selling them for a nickel each, he took his first $3 and bought a flashlight so he could find the bottles quicker than the other boys. He then had a high school career in providing fresh rabbits to the local grocer and his own family. A prolific breeding schedule was made to keep his stock of the highest quality. Although life was not easy during that time each member of the family contributed and they developed a love for each other that has spread to multiple generations.

He was drafted by the Army on May 21, 1954, where he served honorably for two years. After meeting Paula Rigamonti they got married on January 28, 1961. Together they raised 5 children. A lifelong resident of Calhoun County, Anton was an employee of Alcoa for over 42 years. His life is marked by a love for family, friends, and fishing. Many were the family gatherings where Anton could be seen meticulously tending the BBQ pit making sure the coals were just right for his world-famous BBQ chicken quarters. There would always be plenty of food, drink and good stories to go around during the lengthy cooking process. While raising a family, Anton felt it highly important to teach them the importance of dancing. He could often be found at Dacosta, Schroeder or the Plainview Hall, kicking up his heels and waltzing. He made sure his kids and grandkids knew how to do it right! His love for dancing continued throughout his life right up to the end. Most recently, he won a medal a week before his illness for dancing/waltzing at the Brookdale Senior Living Center. Over the years he was a tenacious domino player and he loved a good game of 42. Many were the nights played with family and friends.

It is said the population of flounder in Powderhorn Lake and Lavaca Bay has greatly recovered since Anton retired his boat and gigs a few years back. He and his brother Sonny could often be seen together or apart throughout Powderhorn Lake and Lavaca Bay. He was highly secretive of his most prized “hot spots” and would often move his boat completely out of the area if he saw anyone approach “his” area. He was just as secretive about his oyster reefs and shrimping spots. He would only visit them when nobody else was around. He absolutely loved teaching his kids and grandkids all about fishing, gigging, and crabbing. His mere presence was the primary recipe for a successful trip. He imparted a love for the outdoors to all who accompanied him.

Most recently he has been a devoted member with the American Legion. He routinely volunteered to serve as a member of various Honor Guard details for funerals and other official functions. He was a champion of the Port Lavaca Veterans Memorial and he could often be seen raising and lowering the flags at the Port Lavaca Veterans Memorial or sometimes just visiting to pay remembrance to his fellow soldiers and family that had passed before him. Throughout the years he could be seen on most mornings at his beloved Whataburger with his friends of many years. It was there that most of the worlds less serious problems were solved, fishing stories told, and coffee was consumed. When not there, he was most likely on the road to one of the grandkids ballgames, diving meets, school functions, birthday parties, etc., etc. He was a part of their life in every aspect. He kept up with them through Facebook, which he wanted “just to look at, not post”. Within a few days Anton learned how to post pictures, videos, and emoticons. This allowed him to keep tabs on his grandkids (and kids) when he couldn’t be there.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pauladene Schoener; children, Theresa Spong, Frances Meador, Kelvin Schoener, Amy McCown and Katherine Gustafson; sisters, Polly Brown and Virgie Harlan, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anton was predeceased by his brothers, Frank Schoener, Albert (Sonny) Schoener, Kenneth Schoener, and sister, Marie Zalesak.

Visitation will be held at Rosewood Funeral Chapels on Monday, September 3, 2018 from 4-6 pm with a Rosary to be recited at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at 9 am, with Father Gabriel Bentil officiating. Interment will follow at 11 am at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery, 1517 FM 1679, Port Lavaca, 77979. Full military honors will be provided under the auspices of the Calhoun County Veterans Joint Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Baker, Jacob McCown, Matt Spong, Patrick Meador, Tim Spong, Larry Meador, and Tony McCown.

The family would like to express their deepest admiration and appreciation to the staff at Brookdale Senior Living Facility, Herman Memorial Neuroscience ICU, and Hospice of South Texas. The love, care and support they have shown has been immeasurable.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Port Lavaca Veterans Memorial, Calhoun County Veterans Council, P.O. Box 961, Port Lavaca, Texas, 77979.

Share words of comfort with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.