William Alexander Schadel, Jr. (Lex) was called to his Heavenly Home on Good Friday, April 14, 2017.
Lex was surrounded by his loving family at his home in Tucson, Arizona, where he passed after a long hard battle with laryngeal cancer.
Lex was born in Silver City, NM at Hillcrest Hospital on August 27, 1951 to Bill and Imogene Schadel. He and his sister, Suzan, spent much of their time in the surrounding mountains rock hunting and fishing with their dad.
Lex played city league baseball throughout his childhood and into adulthood, and was an All-star player.
He was a rambunctious little fellow, always exploring and many times playing pranks. He was also a rambunctious big fellow, as most people know.
Lex graduated from Silver High School in 1969 and went on to study airplane mechanics at Northrup Institute of Technology in Inglewood, California. He returned to Silver City and worked for Hamilton Construction until he hired on with PhelpsDodge Mining Company in September of 1972.
That is also when he met the love of his life, his little dove, Arlene Vick, and they were married on February 17, 1973. Soon after, Lex served a three year apprenticeship with the company to become a journeyman mechanic. In 1976, the Schadel's first daughter, Erin Kristen, was born and in 1978, along came Leslie Alexandra. Lex was very creative with his parenting skills and always carried a tube of frosting in his back pocket to flavor pacifiers of irritated babies.
Nasty cattle ponds were fabulous swimming pools when the girls were entertaining friends and driving lessons were a must for every seven year old. And Dad was always up for a challenge!!!
In 1995, Lex and Arlene purchased acreage in the Burro Mountains, a dream come true for this mountain man. He spent all his free time taking rides with his dog, Birdie. He built gazebos, walkways, a garage with many additions and a 40 ft. bell tower, just to name a few. He was an avid hunter until he moved to the Burro's and never hunted big game much again and instead worked on being an avid servant of the Lord.
Lex retired from Freeport McMoran (previously Phelps Dodge) in February of 2009, after 37 years with the company. He enjoyed every moment of his retirement in the Burro's.
He was a good husband, son, dad and papa and he loved his family like no other. In 2012, Lex traveled to the very dangerous Democratic Republic of the Congo to accompany his daughter, Leslie, to rescue and adopt a precious orphan girl, who stole his heart, as each and every one of his grandchildren has done.
Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Arlene, daughters Erin (Justin) Oldham and Leslie (Bryan) Schadel-Turnbow, grandchildren Triston, Aaron, Cameron Oldham and Caitlin, Daniel and Gisele Turnbow, a sister Suzan (Mickey) Cartagena, Mother-in-law Ruth Vick, Sister-in-law Sandy (Cris) Brooks and many nieces and nephews, along with his Calvary Chapel family.
Lex was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Imogene Schadel, Father-in-law Arlie H. Vick and Brother-in-law Jerry Vick.
A Celebration of Lex's life will be held on Sunday, April 23 at 2 p.m. at Terrazas Funeral Chapels being officiated by special friend and pastor, Joseph Gros. Honorary Pallbearers include: Justin Oldham, Bryan Turnbow, Triston Oldham, Aaron Oldham, Daniel Turnbow, Fred Dominguez, Jack Riggle, Boone Fisher and as always...daughters, Erin and Leslie.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the NuVoice Club of Southern Arizona; C/O American Cancer Society 2015 W River Rd, Suite 245, Tucson, Arizona 85704. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.
To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.