William Jennings Schnaufer, Jr.'s Obituary
William Jennings Schnaufer, Jr., known as our beloved “Bomps” passed away March 6, 2016 in Tucson, AZ. Bomps was born October 19, 1922 in Tucson to William J. Schnaufer and Ruth Schnaufer. Bill, as he was called, attended Menlo Park School and Tucson High School. While at Tucson High he was an accomplished Discus’ thrower on the tract team. Bomps spent his early years working with his Dad in Higley and Mesa as a farmer and well driller, where they drilled many of Mesa’s city wells.
Bomps entered the U of A only to be drafted shortly after in November 1944 during World War II. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and Rhineland Ardennes. While in Germany he suffered from a severe case of frost bite, known as trench foot then. He received two bronze stars and discharged honorable with a Certificate of Disability in March 1945. He suffered with his feet the rest of his life.
After returning to Tucson Bomps married Clare Manning November 19, 1947. They resided for a short time in Higley working with his Dad. Shortly after they moved to Tubac and Bomps worked on the Canoa Ranch for his father-in-law, Howell Manning. While at the Canoa, Bomps cleared many acres of farm land and put in wells to irrigate with. He raised some of the best hay, and was “Cotton King” in Southern Arizona.
While at the Canoa, Bomps and Grandma got involved in raising cattle and horses. And they were known for their fine quarter horses and Charlais cattle.
In the late fifties Bomps and Grandma bought the Navarro Ranch, making the Navarro their permanent home in the late 60’s, till present.
Bomps not only enjoyed his work but loved to hunt and fish and spent considerable time in Greer, AZ where the family has a summer home. This was always a special place for him.
Bomps loved to have his kids, grandkids and great grandkids at the ranch. He loved to watch the kids play ball when he was in the area.
Bomps’ wife Clare, daughter Evelyn, parents William and Ruth, sisters Frances Smith and Ginger Carrara preceded him in death. Bomps leaves behind daughters, Karen Downs, Barbara Nicoll (Carl Keith), and son Bill Schnaufer Jr. (Kelley); 10 grandkids and 21 great grandkids. May his legacy live on. Love you “Bomps”. Heavenly Father’s getting a great one.
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