Charles J. Schnebelen

Charles Joseph Schnebelen of North Little Rock was born February 28, 1935 and passed away October 23, 2022. He was born to the late Anna Bahil Schnebelen and the late Charles S. Schnebelen of North Little Rock, AR. Charles was a 1954 graduate of Catholic High school and received an accounting degree from the University of Central Arkansas. Charles completed his degree while working full time at the Fire Department as Celena was also attending nursing school.  At the same time, they were raising 3 young children, so life was hectic.

As a life-long member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Charles could always be counted on to volunteer his time. He served as an officer of the Parish Council, the Men’s Club, PTO, and the building committee. He was also a member of the NLR Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, achieved the 4th degree, and served in several positions including Grand Knight. And speaking of St. Mary’s, he and Celena never missed an opportunity to Polka at church dances. In fact, many of the ladies who had a chance to dance with Charles would joke that “once the music started you just had to hold on”.

Charles served in the Arkansas Air National Guard for 26 years and retired as a Lt. Colonel. His activation during the Pueblo Crisis in 1968 allowed him to qualify for the GI Bill which paid for his college education, and he always said that this changed the trajectory of our whole family. 

Charles was a Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service for 27 years before he retired in 2000, he did not sit still during retirement. Charles loved the outdoors and could often be found in the deer woods with relatives and grandkids. Because he mastered so many skills in welding at Pulaski Technical College, the teacher asked him to assist with classes. He enjoyed golfing and started volunteering at the VA golf course which allowed him to play as often as he wanted for no charge. His other passion was finding deals at carport sales every Friday and Saturday morning. If we ever needed something, we just put in the order and Charles would inevitably find it at one of his sales. 

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Celena Thirion Schnebelen; children: Carla Robertson (Ron), P. Joseph Schnebelen (William McClure) and Ann Creel (Paul); grandchildren: Leighann Bussell (Chuck), Katy Robertson (David), Ryan Robertson, Shamirra O’Neal, Jordan Robertson (Corinna), Daniel Creel (Jordan), Samuel Creel; great-grandchildren: Parker, Abby Grace, Mary Kathryn, Spencer, William and Evelyn; many extended family members and dear friends. Charles was preceded in death by siblings:  Edward Schnebelen and Patricia Layton; and grandsons: Shaun O’Neal and Seth Spinks.

A special thanks to the wonderful care Charles received at Good Shepherd Nursing and Rehabilitation and from his caregivers Julie Clayton, and her team including Patricia, Debra, and Sharon as well as Gwynn Turpin.  

Visitation is 5:00 to 6:30 PM, followed by a Rosary at 6:30 PM, Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral Mass is 10:00 AM Monday, October 31, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Charles will be laid to rest in the columbarium at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Little Rock Catholic Academy at www.NLRCA.org.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR  72114.