Homer A. Schuetz Jr.

January 8, 1945 - October 28, 2019

Homer August Schuetz, Jr. was born to Homer A. Schuetz, Sr. and Helen Mildred (White) Schuetz in Murphysboro, Illinois on January 8, 1945. He departed this life on Monday evening, October 28, 2019, at 8:03 PM at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. He had attained the age of 74 years. Homer married Barbara Dean Girtman on July 10, 1965. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just months before her passing on October 17, 2015. Homer loved being outdoors. He loved tending to his cattle and riding horses, a love he shared with his son, Brian. In addition, Homer loved driving a semi-truck and traveling across the United States. But, more than driving a semi-truck, Homer loved his wife, Barb, his children and especially his grandchildren. Homer was a graduate of Goreville High School. After high school he worked as a livestock hauler and later as a dispatcher for J.W. Billingsley Trucking. Additionally, he worked for 20 years at General Dynamics prior to his retirement. Homer was an active member of Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church at Goreville where he served as the Sunday School superintendent for several years. In addition to his parents and wife, Homer was preceded in death by: a son – Brian Schuetz; a son-in-law – Eric Smart; a sister – Roberta Parks; and a brother – Carl Schuetz. Survivors include: a son – Brent (Keesha) Schuetz of Goreville; a daughter – Brenda Smart of Goreville; a daughter-in-law – Lynn Schuetz; 8 grandchildren – Noah, Zane, Rhet, Cade, Beau, Jessica and Brilee Schuetz and Jayla Smart; a brother – Floyd Schuetz of Goreville; a sister – Mellie Cantrell of Stillwell, Oklahoma; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. After his wife passed, Homer’s health declined and his last years were spent at Parkway Manor in Marion. The family cannot begin to express their appreciation to the staff and especially close family friend, Tenia Calhoon, for the kindness and devotion she gives each resident. A service honoring the life of Homer A. Schuetz, Jr. will be conducted Saturday afternoon, November 2, 2019, at 1 PM at the Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, 7715 Illinois Route 37, Goreville, Illinois. Rev. Kenny Blumenstock will officiate. Burial will be in the Busby Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 11 AM – 1 PM at Busby Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to the family to assist with expenses and may be left in care of Bailey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 695, Vienna, Illinois 62995.