Dates
Oron Lee Schuch, 91, passed away Friday, August 5 2015 at his home after battling Parkinson’s disease for several years. He was born January 31, 1925 in San Angelo, Texas to Edwin and Cecile Schuch. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as a Deacon, Elder and on many committees throughout the years. He was honored as having been oldest (not in age) but in membership of the Church.
He was a loving son, husband , father and brother and a friend to everyone. He and Dorothy Donham were married in 1946 and moved to the Schuch ranch. They moved into town in 1947 When he joined his father, E.H. Schuch in the Schuch Motor Co. Automobile dealership. The Pontiac dealership was the oldest one in Texas having been started in 1926 even before the name was changed to Pontiac. He bought the dealership from his Father and in 1971 moved the Pontiac and Toyota Dealership from Oaks and Beauregard to Knickerbocker Rd.. In 1987 he sold the Dealership to Mike Mitchell, Sr.
He attended all the schools in San Angelo graduating from San Angelo High School in 1942. He played football (and was also in the band) and became the quarterback and co-captain of the 1942 team that would go on to win the State Championship in 1943 although he joined the navy and was not able to play in that Big game. He served in the Navy 3 years, mostly in the South Pacific.
He was awarded “Life Scout” by troop 6 in 1948. He was a scout leader for many years. Oron Lee loved San Angelo and worked diligently to help make the city what it is today. He served on many boards including: San Angelo New Car Dealers Association, Pontiac Dealer Council, First Savings and Loan, YMCA, City Planning Commission, Salvation Army, President of San Angelo Country Club, General Motors President’s Advisory Council, Texas Automobile Association and the Gulf States Toyota Dealer Council.
He loved the automobile business but after selling his dealership he got very involved in the banking business. He along with five other men founded Southwest Bank. He eventually became Chairman of the Board. He was very instrumental in joining First Financial Bankshares and adding First Financial Bank to our city. He also served on the board of First Financial Bankshares.
Oron loved his ranch. He loved to go and tend to his cows and enjoyed all of the abundance of wildlife out there. He also created a close relationship with Arthur Hobbs, who worked with Oron developing an oil and gas operation.
He loved to hunt in Colorado and fish in Mexico and at Amistead Lake with his friends from Snyder.
He was an avid golfer who loved to play with his son, Lee, and grandsons, Travis and Garrett in tournaments. One of the best times of his life was the golfing trips he and Dorothy shared with John and Suzy Reed, Cloyce and Anita Talbott of Snyder, Ginalu and Burns Hamilton of Lubbock. Their golf took them to Colorado, Arizona, Palm Springs, as well as many places in Texas…Wonderful friends can be made on a golf course.
Oron was a wonderful husband and with his wife, Dorothy, they celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary on July 25, 2016.
He also enjoyed his grandchildren and took them on many trips and many weekends of fun at his lake home at Blue Lake Estates.
He was friends with everyone and always enjoyed his special lunches with The Romeos.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, one brother, Ed; three sisters, Frances Barton; Margaret Childs; Alyce Runge; and a beloved son-on-law Ben Doherty.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy, son, Lee, and his wife Annabeth of Sun City; daughter, Brenda O’Dell and husband, Sam of Athens; daughter, Susan Little, and her husband Paul of San Angelo, two sisters Mary Louise Strain and Helene Hope Russell, both of San Angelo, five grandchildren, Andrea Schuch of Cape Coral, FL; Brian Schuch and wife Natsuko, of Japan; Travis Little and his fiancée, Sarah Spivey of Dallas; Blair Little of Kyle; and Garrett Little of San Angelo. Oron also leaves two great grandsons of Japan and many niece and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Fairmount Cemetery on August 9, 2016 at 10:00 AM with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 at First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements are with Harper Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank Dena Stewart for her many years of caring for the Schuch family and to Isabel and all at the Kindred at Home Hospice for their wonderful concern and care, as well as to Karen Haagensen for her friendship to the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Kindred at Home Hospice, Salvation Army, the First Presbyterian Church, or a charity of their choice.