Douglas E. Schoonover

Douglas E. Schoonover, 90, of East Stroudsburg, passed away on December 17, 2015, at the Pocono Health System Hospice House. He was the husband of Doris (Smith) Schoonover. They were married October 2, 1948. Born October 31, 1925, in Smithfield Township, the son of the late Elwyn and Elsie (Morrow) Schoonover, he was a lifetime resident of Monroe County. He was a member of the East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church and a Veteran of the United States Army Air Corp, serving until 1946. He also played on a few local baseball teams such as the Portland A’s and the Poconos. Doug graduated from Stroud Union High School in 1944 and East Stroudsburg State Teacher’s College in 1950. He then earned his Master’s Degree in 1967 at Lehigh University, and continued graduate studies at Penn State University. He started his teaching career at Fairview High School, Mountaintop, Pennsylvania, in 1950, moving to the East Stroudsburg School District in 1955. In addition, he coached football, basketball, baseball, and track during his educational career. Leaving the classroom, he became the principal of the J.S. Bunnel School, serving in that capacity until 1987. Doug actively served the residents of Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg, touching the lives of many throughout his lifetime. From 1946-1953, he held the position of Director of the Stroudsburg Playground and Swimming Pool. This time period also began his longtime involvement with youth baseball. He established The Stroudsburg Little League and followed with the creation of the Babe Ruth and Teener leagues. The Boy Scouts of America received his support as he established Boy Scout and Cub Scout packs, served as I.R., and became involved with merit badge certification. He became a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, helping many young people secure summertime employment. Doug also actively pursued roles outside of his dedication to the youth of Monroe County. As a professional educator, he was active in the N.E.A., the P.S.E.A., and the E.S.E.A., serving as local president and being elected to the P.S.E.A. Board of Directors and Board of Retirement Trustees. He had a prominent role in the Civil Defense Department for 30 years instructing people and holding the position of RADEF officer for Monroe County. One of his favorite experiences was his involvement with the Exchange Club. Doug served as president of both the local and state Exchange Cubs. Many honors came Doug’s way. In 1982, the Bar Association presented him with its Liberty Bell Award. He received the Alumni Association Honor Award from East Stroudsburg University in 1997. However, his favorite honor was probably his inclusion in the Stroudsburg Little League 65th Anniversary when he was recognized as the founder and asked to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Douglas is survived by his son Douglas E. Schoonover, Jr., of Joliet, Montana; two daughters, Debra K. Eppley and her husband, Daniel, of East Stroudsburg and Ann L. Schoonover-Brown and her husband, Timothy, of Princeton, New Jersey; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers John, William, and Robert, and his sister, Mary Ann Americk. There will be no service or viewing. At the request of the family, memorial donations may be made to: American Red Cross or American Cancer Society.