Lee Roy Schnell

Lee Roy Schnell, 88, of Karns City, went to be with the Lord Wednesday morning, July 23, 2025, at Quality Life Services Sugarcreek.

Lee was born in Bruin on May 19, 1937. He was the son of the late Josiah and Minnie Sumney Schnell.

He attended school in Bruin. In his early years, he had been employed at Kelly Auto, Corso’s Garage, and Freiters Service Station. Lee retired following 40 years of service at Witco in Petrolia.

Lee enjoyed travelling with his wife and working outside around his home. Lee was an avid car enthusiast. He enjoyed working on and painting cars and keeping his many Cadillacs throughout the years spotless. He was a long time active member of the Karns City United Methodist Church and had served as a trustee.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Ann Vensel Schnell, whom he married on May 8, 1959. Also surviving are his children, Valerie Paganelli and her husband, Jack, Dexter R. Schnell and his wife, Janice, all of Butler and Carla Jack and her husband, William “Bill” of Kittanning, and Misty Black and her husband, Kevin, of Chicora; six grandchildren, Jodi Dunlap and her husband, Eric, of Saxonburg, Brian Hobaugh and his wife, Heather, of Bruin, Addie Jack of Pittsburgh, Maisie Jack Barnhart and her husband, Alan, of Karns City, Lindsay Black Crilley and her husband, Shawn, of Fairview, and Logan Black of Chicora; five great grandchildren, Alexis and Tyson Dunlap, Liam and Cole Hobaugh, and Lilah Barnhart; two brothers, James “Jim” Schnell and his wife, Ruth, of Chicora and Dennis “Denny” Schnell and his wife, Marjorie, of Kenesaw, GA; two sisters-in-law, Judy Schnell, of Karns City, and Wilma Schnell, of North Washington; two sisters, Maxine Craig of Chicora and Mary Jo Maurhoff and her husband, Doyle, of Chicora; his longtime caregiver, Karlie Wolfe, as well as a number of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Earl, Dean, Ralph, and Larry “Pete” Schnell, two sisters, Helen Stewart and Clara Edmond.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Quality Life Services Sugarcreek.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Karns City, 128 Main St., Karns City, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025. A funeral service will follow from the funeral home at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Beverly Roscoe, his church pastor, officiating. The interment will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, Petrolia.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Karns City United Methodist Church, PO Box 89, Karns City, PA 16041. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.