Wayne Howard Schnelle

Wayne Howard Schnelle, age 88, fell asleep in Christ Friday, November 1, 2019, at his home in Lockwood, Missouri, following a stroke on October 22.

Wayne was born August 29, 1931, to Vernon & Clara (Schilling) Schnelle and lived his entire life in Lockwood. Wayne married Shirley Ann Head on March 22, 1953, at Zion Lutheran Church at Meinert, Missouri.

He began farming at an early age and served as the Missouri State FFA President. In 1969, Wayne and Shirley founded S & H Farm Supply that has grown after 50 years with stores in Lockwood, Rogersville, Mountain Grove and Joplin. He had a passion for agriculture and helping farmers obtain the equipment and information needed to succeed. He was a leader in a number of church and community organizations, and he especially enjoyed serving on the Missouri State University Ag Advisory Board.

Wayne was faithful to his Lord, serving Him at Zion Lutheran Church at Meinert, and then at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lockwood, as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, chairman, elder and his favorite, greeter at the door for church services.

Wayne loved his family – his wife of 66 years, Shirley; three children, Kaylyn and husband, Nathan Wehrman of Lockwood; Kristi and husband, Dave Burmeister of Innsbrook, Missouri; Eric and wife, Mary Schnelle of Lockwood; seven grandchildren: Claire and husband, Seth Meinzen of Lockwood; Caleb Wehrman and fiancee, Jessica of Springfield, Missouri; Kerri and husband, Jake Harmon of Trumbull, Nebraska; Devin and wife, Naomi Burmeister of St. Louis, Missouri; and Ben, Rachel and Katie Schnelle of Lockwood; five great grandchildren: Norah, Grant and Levi Meinzen, Garrett and Kaiden Harmon; and a large circle of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Wayne, and two sisters and their spouses, Deloris and Erwin Hedeman and Deleta and Harold Koontz.

Funeral services were held Sunday, November 3, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church at Lockwood, Missouri, with a graveside service and burial following at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery at Meinert. The family celebrated Wayne’s life and received friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church Family Life Center on Saturday, November 2.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran School Lockwood, Missouri State University Ag Department, or Lockwood High School FFA.
Online condolences may be shared at www.greenfieldfuneralchapel.com. Services were under the care of Lockwood Funeral Chapel.