Obituary of Thomas R. Schroder

Thomas R. Schroder, 63, of Pancake Hill Road, Bemus Point, NY ran into the arms of Jesus for an eternal hug at 6:50p.m. Wednesday April 6, 2011. A Sherman and Jamestown native, he was brought forth into this world by his sister Ruth and mother Amy while in transit to Westfield Hospital on May 24, 1947. A graduate of Jamestown Community College, he continued serving others by enrolling in the US Army when he was 17. He served in Germany in 1967 and pursued an active involvement with the American Red Cross, going to the World Trade Center twice and weather disasters in Florida, Oklahoma and Hurricane Katrina relief. He also volunteered on numerous occasions for the Salvation Army, particularly in their "red kettle campaign." Employed with the Department of Social Services as a case manager for over 20 years, he also worked at MRC Bearings, Blackwell, Winter Garden and The Resource Center. He attended Fluvanna Community Church and enjoyed his friendship with Pastor Dayle Keefer and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. He was skilled at wood crafting and had a soft spot for animals. He cherished the time he spent with the Brothers By Choice motorcycle club. Thomas was so happy to finally get his Harley as he participated in numerous dice runs and vet benefit events. Surviving are his wife Colleen Schroder of Bemus Point, whom he married April 3, 1976 at the home of Mary Ella and the late Norman Faust. He is also survived by three daughters, April Schroder of Bemus Point, Casey Schroder of Erie, PA and Jill (Jim) Vincent of Cherry Creek, three grandsons Micah and Malahki Schroder and Hunter Vincent; five sisters Alice Warner, Ruth Duncan, Dorothy and Miriam Wright and Florence Seekings a sister-in-law Fran Schroder who is married to his brother Louis Schroder and many other beloved brother and sisters-in-law, as well as nieces and nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Amy and Thomas Schroder, Sr, two infant grandchildren; three brothers Michael, Reubin and Raymond Schroder and two sisters May and Marjorie. A military Christian service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday April 10, 2011 at the Fluvanna Community Church on Rt 430. There will be a dinner in the church following the service. Friends and family will be received from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday April 9th in the Lind Funeral Home and for one hour prior to the service in the church Sunday. Memorials may be made to the Fluvanna Community Church Building Fund, 3363 Fluvanna Avenue Ext., Jamestown, NY 14701. You may light a candle in remembrance of Tom at www.lindfuneralhome.com.