Kenneth Leroy Schroeder

Kenneth Leroy Schroeder, 86, of Clarksburg, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Rosewood Center. Born on June 12, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, Kenneth was the son of the late Louis Schroeder and Mildred Thiere Schroeder Frank. He lived a life defined by devotion—to his country, his family, and the simple joys that made each day meaningful.

Kenneth was a proud graduate of Brick Memorial High School in Brick, New Jersey. Shortly thereafter, he answered the call to serve his country, beginning a distinguished career in the United States Navy. He dedicated more than two decades of his life to military service, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 and Operations Specialist Command Master Chief. His service reflected unwavering discipline, leadership, and honor.

Among his many notable assignments, Kenneth was part of the recovery team aboard the USS Guadalcanal on March 13, 1969, playing a role in the historic recovery of the Apollo mission—a moment that tied his service to one of America’s greatest achievements. During his naval career, he served as a Class C-1 Radarman Instructor and completed Class B Maintenance School. His commendations included the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Kenneth wore his uniform with pride and carried the values of service and sacrifice with him throughout his life.

Following his military retirement, Kenneth continued his commitment to helping others by furthering his education as a biomedical engineering technician. He worked for 27 years at the VA Hospital in Clarksburg, where he supported fellow veterans with the same dedication he had shown while serving beside them.

Outside of work, Kenneth found happiness in life’s quieter moments. He cherished his dogs and cats, and enjoyed sitting on the patio surveying what he fondly called his “kingdom,” savoring a cup of coffee, indulging in sweets, smoking his pipe, and making sure the bird feeders were filled. Kenneth is known for his warm heart and quick wit, Kenneth had a sense of humor that endeared him to all who knew him. He was truly loved by everyone whose life he touched. Kenneth was also a member of the Wilsonburg Lions Club and Wilsonburg Baptist Church.

Kenneth is survived by his two daughters, Lisa Ann Schroeder Gruhlke and her husband David of Aurora, Illinois, and Patricia Lynn Schroeder Hutchings and her husband Albert of Clarksburg; his grandchildren, Kevin Louis Skinner, Remy Edward Skinner, and Victoria Kay Marsh; and his great-grandchildren, Mason, Aydan “Cole”, and Avery Frame, and Amoni Skinner. He is also survived by his sister, Judy Moken, along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Judith Ellen Kuhar Schroeder; his infant son, Kenneth Louis Schroeder; his brothers, Raymond and Donald; and his sister, Suzie.

Family and friends will be received at Davis Funeral Home and Cremation, 124 Olen Thomas Drive, Clarksburg, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:30 p.m., with Reverend Brian Thompson presiding. Interment will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Kenneth Leroy Schroeder will be remembered as a patriot, a devoted family man, and a man whose life of service left a lasting legacy of honor and love.

Online condolences may be sent to www.DavisFuneralHomeWV.com. Davis Funeral Home is honored to assist the Schroeder family.

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