Billy Schoch

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Billy G. Schoch, 85, of Sikeston died Friday, April 12, 2002, at Clearview Nursing Home.

He was born Nov. 23, 1916, at St. Catherine, Mo., son of Claude W. and Minnie Moore Schoch. He married Estelle I. Cargill, who died Nov. 30, 1996.

Schoch was a graduate of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Kirksville, Mo.

He was a retired osteopathic physician. He lived and worked in San Antonio, Texas, 23 years, and became a flight surgeon in 1965 with the Civil Air Patrol at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio. He moved to Sikeston from San Antonio. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

Schoch served with the U.S. Army during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific for 30 months. He received the Asiatic Pacific Medal with three Bronze Stars, American Defense Service Medal, and the Distinguished Unit Badge.

Survivors include a friend, Phyllis Parker of Sikeston.

He was preceded in death by a twin sister, a brother, and another sister.

There is no service. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.

Ponder Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.