Harold Schoup, better known as “Hal” by friends, and “Dad” by his children, died on December 15 having fully lived life for 83 years.
Hal grew up on the farm of a share cropper in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country and became the first member of his family to graduate from university, and then earn a Master’s of Divinity.
Hal married his high school sweetheart, Ann. Together they graduated from High School, Ursinus College, and Lancaster Theological Seminary. They were ordained into what is now the United Church of Christ, having the distinction of being the first couple to enter seminary together and be ordained together. Their adventure of education now turned into an adventure of mission work serving as partners for the next 17 years in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey. Upon a return to the United States, Hal became involved with church related retirement housing, serving with United Church Homes in Ohio and Indiana, Peace Memorial Home in Chicago, and Christian Concern in Pennsylvania. He was passionate about his work, being humble, and quick to give credit and praise to his employees. His personally designed parking spot was the furthest away from the entrance, as “the close spots should be for everyone else.”
In recent years, many spotted him on his hands and knees working in the flower beds and on the grounds of the Pleasant Hill museum or outside his home. he loved yard work, finding it therapeutic while at the same time he enjoyed making the grounds look attractive.
Upon moving to Pleasant Hill, Hal became an active member in the Pleasant Hill Community United Church of Christ and the broader Uplands Retirement Community. He was a supporter of the Blue Barn and proud of his participation with the Creative Compassion. Throughout his entire life, he was a firm believer that one needs to give back to the community.
Hal was often nostalgic about the past while staying abreast of current events and would passionately engage with individuals from politics to religion.
He was comfortable being married to a woman that he treated as his professional equal.
He loved art, often noticing what others did not notice.
He was fiercely proud of his children, sons in law, and grand children (even the furry ones). His family could count on him even when they made decisions that he did not fully understand.
Hal was a man who embodied kindness, gentleness, humility. He had a sense of humor that was quirky. He could be stubborn, persistent, set in his ways. He had trouble learning how to slow down and “let others do for him.” He did not always want anyone to have to be “put out” on his behalf.
His family loved and misses him.
Hal’s memorial service will take place at 10:00 AM on January 16, 2016 at Pleasant Hill Community Church in Pleasant Hill, TN.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the building fund of Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC.