John G. Schnepper, 83, of Fairfield, Illinois, formerly of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.  John was born June 22, 1940 in Olney, the son of Roy Russel and Evelyn Blanche (Shipley) Schnepper. He married Judy Kathleen Bunting on April 17, 1971 in Olney. Judy preceded him in death on September 23, 2020.

John grew up on a farm in Olney. During high school John was prominent in the FFA and held the Sharpshooter State Title. He joined the US Army in 1963 and served in Korea. John returned home and took over the family farm alongside his brother, Gordon. John's passion was flying. He began flying as a crop duster and then went on to own and operate Southeastern Illinois Aviation at the Olney/Noble Airport. He gave flight lessons, provided air taxi, was the FAA Flight examiner, and continued to offer crop dusting. John also loved racing. He built the Red Hill Raceway in Sumner, IL with his son, Jay. After building the racetrack, John became an over the road trucker and enjoyed seeing the entire country. After retirement, John took pleasure in working with his wife, Judy, on volunteer projects. Together they began the Outreach Meals Program, where they offered Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to the community.

John is survived by his son, Dodd (Mandy) Schnepper; son, Jay (Sara) Schnepper; grandchildren, Danni (Tom), Sheyanna (Ben), Brooke (Johnathan), Micheal, Bradley (Whitni), Jillian (Blake), Jenna, Jex, Abbi (Logan), Creson, and Karson; great grandchildren, Jaelyn, Colton, Coen, Cooper, Frannie, Collins, and Judah; brother, Gordon Schnepper; sister, Trilla Richardson; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Judy Schnepper, brother, Russell Schnepper, sister, Patricia Fritschle, and infant brother, Roy Schnepper.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney.  Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery. Full Military Rites will be performed at the graveside.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL