Joseph Neil Schneider

Joseph Neil Schneider, age 69, of Ottawa, Kan., died Wednesday, July 24, 2002, at Richmond Care Center in Richmond, Kan. He was the son of Joseph Schneider and Regina (Laughlin) Schneider. Joe grew up in Cincinnati and Mattoon, Illinois. He also lived in Golden Oaks, Michigan, Redwood City, California, St. Louis, Missouri, Overland Park, Kansas, Rantoul and Ottawa. He graduated from Western Hills High School, Cincinnati, Ohio, with the class of 1951. He attended Ohio State University. Joe was an excellent student, but impatient and was ready to fly. He left the University for flight school and attained his commercial pilot's rating independent of military service. Mr. Schneider was a captain for Transworld Airlines thirty-two years, retiring in 1987. He also flew for Hillinbrand Industries and Ralston-Purina during the early 1960`s. Joe attained his Captain's seat early in his career. He also served as President of the Airline Pilot Association and was chief investigator of accident investigations for T.W.A. In 1968, Joe successfully landed a critically disabled Boeing 727 jetliner without loss of life or serious injury to the passengers. For his effort Joe received the industry's highest honors and recognitions for his expert airmanship. He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ottawa; K.C. Flyers Ultralight Flying Association; Quiet Birdmen; and, TWA Active Retired Pilots Association (TARPA). Joe's favorite thing to do was fly, an aviator at heart. Most of his social activity was centered on aviation. He loved to host fly-ins at his airport in Rantoul Kansas. He is survived a daughter, Susan Reese and her husband Arling of Boulder, Colorado. a son, Gary Schneider and his wife Debra of Round Hill, Virginia. a daughter, Kate Dixon of San Francisco, California; four grandchildren, Rachel Gatschet, Holly Schneider, Garrett Schneider, Haley Schneider. Preceding him in death are his parents and his older brother William Schneider, an aviator, was killed in action during WWII. Joe's closest friends where, Paul Jones, and Tom Stottlemire. They were neighbors and shared interests in flying, farming, hunting and the love of the outdoors and Kansas. Joe would like you to remember him as a faithful friend, who always had his eye on the horizon. He would like you to know that in the end, it was not a final landing but a takeoff toward a new horizon. SERVICES: Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2002, at Dengel & Son Mortuary OFFICIANT: Pastor Cliff Burke. IN STATE: Mr. Schneider has been cremated and his cremains were scattered at the Highland Airport, Rantoul, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.