William 'Bill' Schicker

William "Bill" Schicker followed the love of his life, Mary Lou (nee Helmsing), to eternal life Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019.

Bill is survived by his brother, Donald (Dee); dear brother-in-law, Dan Helmsing; eight children, Jan Davis (Ben), Joe Schicker (Mary Ellen), Bari Neff (Bob), Julie Kincaid (Randy), Lisa Brotherton (Mike), John Schicker (Stacy), Michelle Todt (Michael) and Tricia Thiel (John); grandchildren Patrick Davis, Heather Davis, Cara Davis, Kelly Davis, George Schicker, Kyle Schicker (Marissa), Mattie Neff, Kelsie Neff, Daniel Neff, Katie Loescher (Jason), Dennis Kohut, Emily Mueller (Brian), Michael Brotherton, Melissa Brotherton, Matthew Brotherton, Alec Schicker, Ben Schicker, Sam Schicker, Katie Todt, Courtney Todt Podkowa (Rick), Meme Todt, William Todt, Alexander Todt, Anna Thiel and JJ Thiel; great-grandchildren Rainey Davis, Boston Davis and Rowan Schicker; niece and nephews; and many other relatives and dear friends, whom he loved as family.

A devout Catholic faith manifest itself daily in Bill's life, especially his long-lasting service and piety at St. Vincent de Paul, his profound belief in human dignity, and his relationships as a compassionate father, grandfather, friend, employer and mentor.

At the age of 17, Bill began his career at McMahon washing cars and serving as the porter for the new car department. After returning from his service in the United States Navy, he progressed at the dealership from porter to salesperson to general manager, until, in 1975, he bought into McMahon Ford Co. (now known as Schicker Automotive), the first of many dealerships he would acquire over his illustrious career.

Bill considered his employees as family and his customers as friends. He was consistently and enthusiastically dedicated to serving his community, those in need and the retail automotive industry. He often chose to forego recognition for his kindness as he treated the opportunity to help others as a privilege.

Throughout his career, he served as a board member of Guardian Angel Settlement House, director of Backstoppers, St. Mary's High School Alumni Board, president of the Board of Alderman of the City of Shrewsbury, board member of Citizen's National Bank, president of the St. Louis Metro Ford Dealers Association, president of the Missouri Auto Dealers Association, member of the Executive Committee for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, member of the Ford Community Relations Committee, co-founder of the St. Louis Chapter of Legatus International, commissioner of the St. Louis County Police Department, member of the University of Missouri-St. Louis Chancellor's Council and director of the National Automobile Dealers Association, representing Missouri in the state capitol.

He was honored as Time magazine's Quality Dealer of the Year, was presented the JC Penney Golden Rule Award for Family Volunteering by Gen. Colin Powell, named Catholic Family Services Volunteer Family of the Year, and winner of the Ford Motor Co. Hero of the Planet award. Bill was an affiliate of the Congregation of the Mission Vincentian Fathers and Brothers.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated for the life of Bill at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis at 4431 Lindell Blvd.

Please, in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made on Bill's behalf to one of the following charities: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Backstoppers, St. Mary's High School, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Guardian Angel Settlement Association.

Kutis Funeral Home Service is in charge of arrangements.