Paul David Schnichels

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Paul David Schnichels, age 68, a resident of Topeka, Kan., passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at the Midland Care Hospice in Topeka. He was born June 21, 1951, in Cautemoc, Mexico. He and his three siblings were adopted by Elfie M. Schnichels, a Baptist missionary. Growing up, Paul attended a country school and went to junior high in Fort Scott. He enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and swimming. Paul was naturalized at the federal building in Fort Scott, Kan., on May 3, 1963. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1969. He served aboard the destroyer USS Henderson. He served in a hostile fire zone in the South China Sea, the Tonkin Gulf and patrolled the coast of North Vietnam. Paul served under the Johnson and Nixon administrations. He earned four medals and a letter of commendation. Paul was honorably discharged in 1975. Paul attended Fort Scott Community College from 1973-1974. He had several jobs including being a farm hand for four years. He was a station attendant at the Derby Station in Fort Scott. He also made aluminum frames for Extrusions and Peerless. Paul was active at the VA where he enjoyed volleyball, handball, lifting weights, pingpong, cards and chess. He also enjoyed cars, listening to music and had a lot of girlfriends. Paul was an avid reader and enjoyed reading about history, English, God and the Bible. Paul struggled with mental health issues and was in treatment for mental illness for 45 years. After struggling with alcoholism, Paul stopped drinking in 1986. Paul had a strong faith as a Baptist Christian for Christ. He was converted in a jailhouse in August of 1971 and was baptized in 2000 at Emanuel Baptist Church in Fort Scott. Paul had a godly mother and loved the Lord. He will be glad when he sees the Lord face to face.

To Read More
Subscribe Sign In
Continue reading with a subscription
Subscription options