Leslie "Les" R. Schoonover

Leslie R. Schoonover, 89, of Evansville, IN passed away Friday, June 13, 2025 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital surrounded by his family. He was the 17th child born to the late Charles and Stella Schoonover on May 11, 1936.

Leslie “Les” was a longtime member of Vann Avenue Baptist Church with his late wife of 69 years, Carol. Leslie and Carol married when he was sixteen years old, and he loved her until his very last breath. He loved the work he did throughout his life whether that was for Dale Sales, L. B. Jones, caring for families at Alexander Funeral Home or being a greeter at Wal Mart. His love for others, his big heart, and that beautiful smile made anyone and everyone feel seen. He loved the game of basketball! Going to Evansville Purple Aces games, listening to them on the radio for away games, and simply talking about the sport brought him so much joy! He loved to fish, go for evening drives, and befriend any stranger that came his way. His favorite places to be were out in the front yard swinging next to his wife or sitting under the tree reading his Bible. He always had a huge smile waiting for you and a hug to follow as you pulled up to their home. He was a man who loved the Lord with every fiber of his being and made it his life’s mission to make Him known. It was rare that you’d ever see him without his Bible in hand and a Double Cola in the other. A day didn’t go by without him sharing the Gospel, as well as how thankful he was for the Lord’s love and mercy. He never missed a chance to share the love of Jesus—whether sitting at the YMCA with an open chair beside him for anyone to join, talking with neighbors, hospital nurses, or striking up a conversation while waiting for his favorite spicy fried chicken at the gas station. He lived an unashamed life for Christ and left his family the greatest gift of all — the gift of knowing and loving Jesus.

He is survived by his daughters, Sherry L. Whiteside and Patricia A. Leffel (Geoffrey); grandchildren, Audrey Winfrey (Aaron), Leslie Cortez (Elder), Lauren Bradley (Phil), Kyle Leffel (Jordan), Julie Poland (Kory), and Clay Leffel (Ali); 26 great-grandchildren and counting. Leslie was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Schoonover, his son-in-law, Roger Whiteside, his great grandchild, Luca Leffel, as well as his siblings.

We want to say a very heartfelt “Thank You” to West River Health Campus for caring for Les like you have these last few years. You have shown love, patience, understanding and genuine care from day one. He loved being there and he especially loved the delicious food you made! He quickly became a very special part of everyone’s life amongst staff, residents and families of residents simply because the Lord wasn’t done with him yet. He continued to share Jesus, inviting others into his life through conversation or sitting with someone in the quiet. Our family is forever thankful to everyone at West River, specifically the Legacy Unit, for giving him a loving home.

Alexander Funeral Home was much more than a place of work for Les. They were family. We are thankful to them for walking beside us during this time and honoring the life of our Dad/ Grandpa and Papaw.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, Newburgh, IN 47630 with the service following at 5:30 p.m. All are welcome!! A livestream of the service will be available at www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Susan H. Snyder’s Shelter for Women and Children.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com