David J. "Jack" Schanz, Jr.

David John “Jack” Schanz, Jr. met his Savior Jesus Christ when he passed away on December 12, 2025 at the age of 84. Born on November 11, 1941, Jack lived a life defined by faith, family, friendship, and the heart of a true cowboy.

Jack grew up in Vinton, Louisiana, where his roots ran deep and his love for the land began. He graduated from Northwestern State University and went on to build a life marked by hard work and dedication. He worked at Bird & Son Roofing, later sold cars for Billy Navarre Chevrolet, and eventually retired from Westlake Petrochemical, where he worked as an operator.

Foremost, Jack was a cowboy. He enjoyed outdoor life and the glories that God had made, including going outside to look for deer, caring for cattle, riding horses, and sharing those moments with his daughters. He generously gave horseback rides to nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends, creating memories that will live on for generations. Jack also loved watching football games, attending livestock shows and FFA events, and could often be found cheering on Shane Hanchey and Tristan Martin at rodeos.

Jack was a devoted father and grandfather who faithfully read stories and prayed daily with his children and grandchildren. A natural storyteller, he made friends wherever he went and could recite the pedigree of famous Quarter Horses with ease. He cherished his friendships—whether lifelong companions or someone he had just met. Most of all, Jack was extremely proud of his family and their accomplishments, celebrating each milestone with genuine joy, gratitude, and unwavering encouragement.

For many years, Jack could be found “working out” at SPAR, which mostly meant drinking coffee and visiting with friends, something he considered time well spent.

Jack was a proud member of the Vinton Masonic Lodge, a Shriner, and Wesley United Methodist Church. He also honorably served as a veteran of the United States Army Reserve.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Dale Beglis Schanz; his two daughters, Dielle Barrentine (Robert “Binky”), and Dara Jo Johnson (Happy); and his three cherished granddaughters, Jackie Wade Fluty (Patrick), Alexa Barrentine, and Emma Barrentine; his sister Edith Elizabeth Schanz Seefeld (Craig); along with many extended family members and dear friends who loved him deeply.

Preceding him in death are his parents David John Schanz, Sr. and Mildred Switzer Schanz, his sister Margaret Helen Schanz Owens, his aunts Florence Schanz, Bernice Lynch, and Edna "Ted" Vincent; and his uncle George Schanz, Aunt Ruth, and their children, Jackie Flo and George “Sonny”; cousins Dr. George Vincent and Sherrill Lynch.

Funeral services for Jack will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Sulphur at 11 AM with Reverend James Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Big Woods Cemetery in Edgerly, LA. Visitation for Jack will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Home of Sulphur from 5-8 PM and will resume on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church. In honor of Jack’s life and spirit, the family invites those attending his services to wear western attire or green/red Christmas clothing, as you see fit.

Pallbearers will be Robert “Binky” Barrentine, Happy Johnson, Brett Jr. Thibodeaux, Rusty Vincent, Glenn Demarie, Richie Perry, and Brian Mead.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Currie, Johnny Walker, Ray Richard, Pete Beglis, Dr. John Noble, Harry Fontenot, George Fruge, Dr. Michael Cormier, Dr. Jody George, Jackson Schrumpf, Sammie Ackel, and Dr. Mike Burnett of LSU.

Jack Schanz will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and a cowboy through and through. His legacy of love, laughter, faith, and kindness will continue to ride on.