Lee T Schneider, Jr
Maryville, Missouri
Lee T Schneider, Jr, 87, of Maryville MO, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2013, at Nodaway Nursing Home.
Lee was born on July 2, 1926, near Cosby, MO, to Lee T and Josephine Schindler Schneider. He attended Oak Ridge Elementary School and Savannah High School, graduating in 1944. He was a 1946 graduate of St. Joseph Jr. College, and then served a tour of duty with the US Army in Japan. Upon his return, he attended Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music in 1950.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Forestine Schneider and son, Lee T (Toby) Schneider, III.
On December 27, 1959, he was married to Nina Faye Cox in Leeton, MO. He is survived by his wife, Nina, of the home, son, Kevin (Lisa) Schneider, Huntsville, AL, and daughter, Terri (Patrick) Modlin, Faucett, MO; three grandsons, Karl Schneider, Jacob and Michael Modlin.
He was a lifelong member of Hope United Church of Christ, Cosby, MO, and an affiliate member of First Presbyterian Church, Maryville.
He started his teaching career in Benton, WI, followed by six years in the Tarkio public schools and two years at Tarkio College. In 1960, he began teaching at the Maryville R-II school district where he led the instrumental music program for 32 years. Under his direction, the Maryville Marching Spoofhounds became regionally known for their crisp marching and spirited music, and in 1990, they performed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
His influence was felt by over one thousand students, many who still recall examples of his high expectations, tireless work ethic and encouraging manner.
He was a Charter member and president of Phi Beta Mu, Lambda chapter, Bandmasters Fraternity, and a member of Music Educators Nation Conference, the National Bandmasters Association, the Missouri Bandmasters Association (MBA) and the Missouri Music Educators Association (MMEA). He was inducted into the MBA Hall of Fame in 1994 and the MMEA Hall of Fame in 2002.
After his retirement, he provided volunteer assistance to his wife while she was directing the instrumental music programs at Horace Mann Elementary and St. Gregory’s School, returning the service she had provided for many years while he was leading the public school program. He also served in several positions in the Nodaway County Association of Retired School Employees, was a board member of the Northwest Missouri Regional Credit Union, and as an AARP volunteer tax counselor.
A visitation will be held at Price Funeral Home on Friday, December 6 from 5-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Maryville, MO, on Saturday, December 7, at 11 am. Burial will be at Memorial Park in St. Joseph, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Maryville R-II Education Foundation–Fine Arts Facility project, First Presbyterian Church and SSM Hospice Foundation.