Harry E. Schadt's Obituary
Harry E. Schadt, Jr., 96, of Memphis, TN, died December 16, 2010. He was loved by all who knew him, and his positive, upbeat nature was an inspiration to everyone he met. He was born in South Bend, IN, and he moved to Memphis as a child. He graduated from Mercersburg Academy and Washington University. He married his wife, Jeanne McMahan Schadt in May of 1942 and was then sent overseas for two and a half years. He served in World War II as an officer in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery in the South Pacific. He returned from the war in 1945. He and his wife Jeanne moved to Newellton, LA, where they started their family, and where he managed the family lumber operation for 10 years. In 1956, he and his family returned to Memphis, where he entered the real estate business. He was one of the developers of the Westwood area of Memphis, and he was president of the corporation that owned and managed the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge in Whitehaven for 30 years. Mr. Schadt served on the board of trustees of St. Mary’s Episcopal School for 15 years, and he was chairman of the board for two years. During Mr. Schadt’s time on the board, two buildings drives were held. These building drives made it possible for St. Mary’s to have separate classroom space from its partner, the Church of the Holy Communion. Mr. Schadt was a volunteer for MIFA, delivering Meals on Wheels for many years. He also served on the boards of LeBonheur Children’s Hospital and the YMCA. He was a member of Chickasaw Country Club for many years, where he enjoyed playing both golf and gin rummy with his many friends. Mr. Schadt was a Communicant of the Church of the Holy Communion for more than 50 years. He served on the vestry there, including time as warden. He is survived by his son, Reid Schadt (Sherry) of Seattle, Washington, and his daughter, Lynn Thomas (Bill) of Memphis. He leaves two grandchildren, Melanie Raver (Dave) and Christopher Thomas, and one step-grandchild, Morgan Thomas. He also leaves one great-grandchild, Summer Raver and two step-great-grandchildren, James and Harrison Thomas. The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to LaTonya Willis, Rose Jackson, and Betty Williams, Mr. Schadt’s caregivers, as well as to his longtime employee, Matte Kimmel. They all provided so much comfort and love to Mr. Schadt in his later years, and we will always be thankful for their devotion to him. A graveside service for the immediate family will be held Tuesday, December 28th at 11:30 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any memorials be sent to St. Mary’s Episcopal School.
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