IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Karl Jonathan Schoonover, 77;

Optometrist, County Representative

ONEONTA – Dr. Karl Jonathan Schoonover, 77, of Oneonta, the optometrist and former Otsego County representative, died Dec. 13, 2019. Following a five-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis, he peacefully passed away with his family by his side.

Karl was born on Sept. 6, 1942, the son of Rose and Karl Schoonover.

He graduated from Wellsville High School in 1960.

Karl received a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1964 and graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1967, where he received his doctorate degree.

In 1967, Karl came to Oneonta, where he worked for a short time with Dr. Lusk, then opened his own optometry practice, which came to be known as Schoonover Eye Care. He retired on July 1, 2011, following 44 years of serving the community.

On Sept. 1, 2001, Karl married Sherry Mellott Hanson in Laurens.

Karl was a member and deacon of West Oneonta Baptist Church.

He was a past member of the American Optometric Association; served on the Laurens Central School board for 10 years; served on the Practical Bible College Training School board; and served on the Otsego County Board of Representatives in District 3, for more than 15 years.

Karl is survived by his wife, Sherry Schoonover; two sons, Kris and Rhonda Schoonover and Kent and Megan Schoonover; two step-sons, Erik and Jennifer Hanson and Kris Hanson; eight grandchildren, Kane and Klayton Schoonover, Kolton, Kwin, Kaleb and Kamryn Schoonover, Mikeeli and Natalie Hanson; two siblings, Sharon Overman and Philip Schoonover; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, David and Dennis Schoonover.
A service to celebrate the life of Dr. Schoonover will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, at West Oneonta Baptist Church with the Rev. Aamir Din officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. Karl Jonathan Schoonover may be made to West Oneonta Baptist Church, P.O. Box 224, West Oneonta, NY 13861.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family online at www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.