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Sadly, our beloved, Charles "Charlie" Ray Schoonover, a resident of Elkins, 83, passed away after a brief illness at Elkins Rehabilitation & Care Center on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.
He was born July 29, 1942, in Elkins, a son of the late Oliver Junior Schoonover and the late Virgie E (Moore) Schoonover.
An avid outdoorsman, Charlie found his greatest joy in the woods and along the riverbanks. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, canning, grilling and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
A strong believer in tradition and self-reliance, he passed down his skills, stories and respect for nature to his family. Among those who survive him are his children, Todd Schoonover of Elkins and Sara Ann Tarrant, along with her wife, Jules Tarrant, of Martinsburg, West Virginia. He is also survived by his step-son, Sam Blizzard and wife, Angel, (with wife, Ruthie Schoonover), and was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Lesa Ann Schoonover.
He married Ruthie (Blizzard) Schoonover on July 27, 2002, who survives at Chenoweth Creek. They had celebrated their 23rd Anniversary in July.
Left to cherish his memory is his five grandchildren, Trevor Allen Schoonover and wife, Shiloh, Masontown, West Virginia, Oliver Neil Schoonover-Martin, Jack Schoonover-Martin, Henry Schoonover-Martin and Vivian Evie Schoonover-Martin, all of Martinsburg, West Virginia; Three step-grandchildren, Tessa (Blizzard) Brent and husband, Ethan, Caden Blizzard and fiance, Kate, of Romney, West Virginia, and Jedidiah Blizzard of Moorefield, West Virginia; and one grandson, Parker Wayne Brent.
Charlie deeply loved his children and grandchildren and took pride in watching them grow. Time spent with them -- whether outdoors or at home -- was the greatest joy of his life.
Mr. Schoonover attended a one-room schoolhouse on Chenoweth Creek until the eigth grade, then attended Elkins Junior High and graduated from Elkins High School, class of 1960. He worked briefly as a driver for a diesel fuel delivery company then for the West Virginia Department of Highways until he was hired by the Western Maryland Railroad.
Over his long career, he served as a flagman, brakeman and conductor under Western Maryland Railway, Chessie System Railway, B&O, C&O and retired under CSX Railroad.
He spent countless precious time with his son, Todd, and grandson, Trevor, teaching them to shoot and hunt from a very early age. He loved collecting antiques including moonshine jugs, crocks, irons, sewing machines, dishes, brass buckets and bear traps.
Charlie will be remembered for his love of the outdoors and his devotion to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Friends may call from noon until 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday from the funeral home chapel. Pastor Tristan Tenney and Pastor Todd Rhodes will officiate.
Charlie's request for cremation will then be honored.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harman Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 125, Harman, WV 26270 in memory of Charlie and in memory of Greg White.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Charles "Charlie" Ray Schoonover.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.