John Arthur Schnoor, age 72, passed away at his home in Coffeyville, Kansas on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.
John was born on January 23, 1949, the youngest of four children to Arthur William Schnoor and Ruby Fern (McGinnis) Schnoor in Neodesha, Kansas. His father passed away when he was only 3 years old.
John grew up in Neodesha, Kansas attending local schools until 1966 when they moved to Coffeyville where he graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School. John proudly served his country in the United States Navy where he was stationed abroad during the Vietnam War. He had earned the rank of Engineman 3 at the time of his honorable discharge in November of 1970.
In 1972 he opened his own business, it started out as a Yamaha motorcycle shop. It then became Performance West, he sold and repaired small engine items, from motorcycles to chainsaws, weed eaters, etc. He was a Stihl Dealer for many years. Occasionally he included additional retail items such as Oakley Sunglasses, Vans shoes, etc. After more than 45 years of owning and operating the business, John decided it was time to retire a couple years ago.
He loved old cars and trucks. John liked restoring and working on them as well as helping his friends work on theirs. He had several special cars he poured his heart into over the years, but his 1939 Ford Coupe known as Old Blue, which was later painted black, was his favorite. For a time, John owned a boat and would go out to the lake to relax and enjoy time on the water.
John was very close with his mother. She’d come visit and prepare and drop off meals to him until her health began to decline. That’s when John would take care of her, going to visit, making sure she was eating and being there for her for whenever she needed until she passed away. John looked up to his older brother, Richard as role model, mentor and as his best friend. John loved kids; he was the fun uncle to his nieces and nephews but to all the kids that hung around as well.
His life revolved around running the shop and spending time with his family that he loved so much, and they loved him. He loved his nieces and nephews and would sometimes take them on outings or have them in the shop to teach them skills or would stop by with something special for them. John will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
Surviving to honor his memory are his siblings, Colleen Berkstresser and husband, Dwight of Topeka, Kansas, William “Richard” Schnoor and wife, Donna of Coffeyville, Kansas, Judy Bishop and husband, Jim of Perry, Kansas, his nieces and nephews Sharolyn, Bill, Phillip, Joe, Terri, Michael, Steven, Angela, and Joel, many great and great- great nieces and nephews, along with many extended relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur W. Schnoor and mother, Fern Schnoor.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. No public services are scheduled at this time. The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com
