WILLIAM WAYNE “BILLY” SCHOBEL

William Wayne “Billy” Schobel, 74, of Columbus, Texas, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2024 with his family by his side at his home.

He was born on Sept. 4, 1949 to Lester Joe Schobel and Nora Amelia (Hoelscher) Schobel in Columbus, Texas. Billy was a graduate of Columbus High School in 1968, and a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus.

On Sept. 4, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Herring. This past year on Sept. 4, 2023, which was also his 74th birthday, Marilyn and Billy celebrated 52 years together.

The pride of his life was their son, Sean. He loved Sean’s visits and would call him very often to let him know he was thinking about him. He loved his daughter-in-law, Tina, admiring her as such a good mother to his granddaughters, Raylee and Cambree. Billy was so proud of their accomplishments.

Billy had a nickname, “Killer”, which his friends used fondly of the big man and many friends and some family have great nicknames given to them by Killer. Billy did not know a stranger and would help anyone, whether it was with his help or money and did so many times. Billy loved riding his Harley with his buddies and was known for wearing many Harley Davidson t-shirts, cut-off jeans and crocks.

In his early years, he worked for Hoelscher Weatherstrip in Houston for many years before going to work for his longtime friend, Redd Seydler, at Seybro Door and Weatherstrip in Weimar. After retirement he became a full-time cattle rancher.

Billy is survived by his wife, Marilyn Schobel of Columbus, Texas; son Sean Lee Schobel and wife Tina of Fulshear, Texas; brother Jerry Schobel of Columbus, Texas; grandchi ldren Raylee Kaylyn Schobel and Cambree Sean Schobel.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Nora Schobel, and sister-in-law, Jo Helen Schobel.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at 1 p.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus. Walt Glasscock will officiate. Feel free to wear your Harley Davidson shirts as we bid farewell to Killer.

Honorary pallbearers are Stephen Rhodes, Gary Ashford, Mark Barten, Joe Rau, Donnie Templeton, Jimmy Kleimann and Donald Braden.

Memorials may be given to Columbus Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box Box 125, Columbus, TX 78934 or the charity of your choice.

He may be gone from this world, but his legacy lives on through the people he touched.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.