James "Gomer" Schiele, Jr.

James “Gomer” Schiele, Jr., 50, of Grand Lake passed unexpectedly on Saturday, December 3, 2016 in his residence.

Gomer was born on February 18, 1966 in Marks, MS.  He resided in the Lake Charles/Grand Lake area for 30 years after moving from Texas in 1987.  Gomer was a graduate of Groveton High School in Texas and attended Louisiana Technical College to become a Metal Fusion Specialist.  Gomer was a master carpenter and welder by trade for 24 years.  He was a member of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church.

Gomer was a one of a kind man with a special heart.  He never met a stranger and was well liked by all who met him.  His favorite past-time was eating and he enjoyed raising and taking care of his chickens as well as making sausage and hunting, especially for deer.  Gomer had a fierce passion for his family and was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, relative, and friend.  He was affectionately known as a “simple man.”

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Tina Manuel Schiele; a daughter, Destini Schiele Bonin (Justin) and many other life gained daughters; three sons, James Edward Schiele, III, Spencer Lee Schiele (Carley Deshotel), and James Lee Phillips all of Grand Lake and many other life gained sons; three sisters, Joyce Marie Schiele Champion (Donnie) of Coden, AL, Edith Kay Schiele Phillips of Lake Charles, and Monica Renee Schiele Hester (Charlie) of Weldon, TX, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elroy and Adele Manuel; sister-in-law, Becky Manuel; six brothers-in-law, Ben, Randy, Eddie, Ray, Bubba, and Ronnie Manuel; two grandchildren, Cason Dewayne Bonin and Bella Star Bonin; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Deloris and James Schiele, Sr.; nephew, David Allen Hester; mother-in-law, Judy Ann Manuel; and his best friend, Kelly Ray Weesner.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM noon on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel.  The Rev. Kelly Vigo and the Rev. Steve Starks will officiate.  Burial will follow in Hayes Cemetery in Hayes, LA.  Visitation will begin on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM and will resume on Wednesday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service.