Obituary of Burton L. Schoonover

Burton L. Schoonover, 83, of Elmira, NY, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024. He was born in Barton, NY on November 28, 1940, to Edwin and June (Wood) Schoonover. Burton served with the US Navy as a Radar Specialist from 1958-1962.

Burton was a man of many talents. You might say he was a Renaissance Man. He was a highly accomplished woodworker, model ship builder, tinker, artist, musician and animal lover. He designed and built his own timber frame home, created several cherished stained glass pieces, crafted his own instruments and made muzzleloaders. He was a primitive tipi camper and served many years as the President of Land of the Senecas Muzzleloaders Club.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Karen (Searle) Schoonover; a daughter, Tiffany Schoonover (John Owens) of Erin, NY; a son, Scott Schoonover (Tammy Ettenberger) of Horseheads, NY; niece, Melissa (Jimmy) Albright of OH; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his parents and his cherished grandmother, Margaret "Mag" Wood from whom he learned many of his life talents.

At Burton's request, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made in his memory to the Chemung County SPCA, 2435 State Rt. 352, Elmira, NY 14903. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.vedderscottzinger.com