David J. "Crock" Schnepel

David J. “Crock” Schnepel passed away on April 14, 2026 in Lakewood Ranch, Florida after a 7-year battle with stage IV colon cancer. He was born in Red Bud, Illinois on May 19, 1954 to Norman and Fern Schnepel. David retired in 2002 as Assistant Warden of Programs with the State of Illinois.

David was known for most of his life as “Crock”. When he was little, he enjoyed watching “Davey Crockett” and had a coonskin cap. The nickname “Crock” stuck.

David graduated with honors from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, IL with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in economics and minoring in mathematics. He then went on to complete his Masters Degree in Economics.

David rose up the ranks from a file clerk position to counselor at Menard Correctional Center in Chester, Illinois and was promoted to Assistant Warden of Programs in 1995. He moved with his family to Danville, Illinois to serve at Danville Correctional Center. He, also, served in temporary positions as Warden at various other Illinois correctional facilities during his tenure at Danville. In 1999, he was transferred to Western Illinois Correctional Center in Mt. Sterling, Illinois. He retired in 2002.

In 2007, he and his wife moved to Florida. He was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2019 and fought the disease for 7 years before his passing in April.

David is survived by his wife, Doris, of 44 years; his sons, Joel (Libby) Schnepel and Micah (Amanda) Schnepel; his grandchildren Bailey Schnepel and Tucker Schnepel; his sister Kathleen (Robert) Wagner and nieces and nephews.

Services will be held June 20, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7461 Prospect Road, Sarasota, FL 34243. They will be live streamed at beautifulsaviorlcms.com and on YouTube.