Gary Wayne Schnepper, age 77, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Friday evening, September 25, 2026, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon.

      He was born April 14, 1949, in Flora, the son of Junior and Evelyn (Devore) Schnepper.

      Gary served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1967 to 1969, including an 18-month tour of duty in Vietnam, where he performed counterintelligence duties. He left Vietnam on a Friday the 13th, and ever since, he considered Friday the 13th his "lucky day," always grateful to have made it home.

      Soon after his return, on October 18, 1969, Gary married Linda Murphy at the First Christian Church in Flora. Together they shared 56 beautiful years, lots of wonderful trips and cruises, and so many memories.

      Gary farmed for decades and later retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation. He was always on the go, never one to be caught "burning daylight." He was an avid waterfowl hunter, especially of ducks and geese, and enjoyed working in his garden and taking care of his home. A man of simple but unwavering faith, he felt closest to God outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of His creation, and he saw each day as a gift not to be wasted.

      Above all, Gary treasured his family. He and Linda raised three sons and were blessed with three daughters-in-law who were just like daughters to them, and he shared a special, loving bond with his six grandchildren. He was a member of Red Brush Christian Church and counted his family and his church among his greatest blessings.

      He is survived by his wife, Linda Schnepper, of Louisville; 3 sons: Scott (Shelley) Schnepper of Vincennes, Chad (Sara) Schnepper of Wilton, Iowa, and Ryan (Sara) Schnepper of Louisville; 6 grandchildren: Alex Schnepper, Emma Schnepper, Gavin Schnepper, Talon Olderog, Colin Schnepper, and Chloe Schnepper; a sister: Barbara (Dana) Milligan of Flora; 2 brothers: Paul (Regina) Schnepper and Glen (Linda) Schnepper, both of Louisville; sisters-in-law: Cathy Schnepper, Kris Schnepper, and Cheri (Danny) Gill; a brother-in-law: Roger (Naomi) Murphy; and many nieces and nephews.

      He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Danny Schnepper and John Schnepper.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at Red Brush Christian Church in Louisville, with Ben Farleigh officiating. Interment will follow at Hoosier Prairie Cemetery with the presentation of military funeral honors. Visitation hours will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 1, at Red Brush Christian Church. Memorial donations are suggested to the Red Brush Christian Church Building Fund. To share a condolence or memory, visit www.frankandbright.com