Colonel Linn. J. Schofield, III (AUSA, Retired) was called home on June 20th, 2022. A career military man, as per usual he left early and way ahead of schedule. He was born on March 7th, 1938, in Warrensburg, Missouri, to Linn J. Schofield, II, and Sara Frances (Spangler) Schofield. In the small town of Clinton, he was known as the little boy who would tote his pet duck Waddles around when his family ran Sunday errands. His love of animals would follow him throughout his life. A 1956 graduate of Shawnee Mission High School, he was a fan of planes, trains, and automobiles. Ever the hot rod aficionado, he would make bets with his children regarding the make and model of obscure hot rods they passed on the highway – he was never off by more than two years.

He graduated from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, in 1960, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Military Science. Of his college days, one of his favorite stories involved getting caught brewing beer in the closet of the off-campus bedroom he rented. It is unknown if his mother ever found out. He always valued the importance of balancing work and play. Upon obtaining his undergraduate degree, he received his commission in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant. He had fond memories of his service, specifically his assignments in France and Germany. He really knew his way around a croissant. While stationed in Germany, he and his friend Riley would often sneak in the General’s mess hall to get a taste of “the good stuff.” Like many men of his generation, he served in Vietnam. A member of Advisory Team 96, his last overseas tour was in Cambodia. He spent the remainder of his career at the Pentagon. He enjoyed bringing his children there on “Take Your Child to Work Day” so that they could clean out his tobacco pipes and play with the office supplies.

Linn officially retired from the United States Army as a Colonel after more than 20 years of service. Later, he would retire again from civilian service with the Department of Defense. He found that one of the greatest perks of achieving the rank of O-6 was the special parking he got when he went to the Pearl Harbor Post Exchange. He would often explain that no such thing existed at Fort Myer where “O-6s are in abundance.”

He was a beloved and active resident of the Carlyn Square community in Falls Church, Virginia, for 50 years and a devoted member of Culmore United Methodist Church just down the road. He loved serving his friends and neighbors on various volunteer boards and committees.  For a time, however, his dream was to relocate to Hawaii upon retirement and become a shuttle bus driver at the Honolulu airport - until he realized how much of a hassle it was to move. Linn loved Hawaii, and he always shared that love with those around him - as evidenced by the infamous “Linn’s Handy Shortcut Guide to O’ahu” and the annual family parrot portrait postcard. He dutifully served on the board of Lifetime in Hawaii for over two decades, making numerous visits to inspect timeshare units and “assist” the management team. He tried to keep a running count of his trips to Honolulu but had to give up many years back.  If you were ever on a Continental or United flight to Honolulu and seated next to a gregarious Mai Tai drinking man in an Aloha shirt, chances are it was him. He never met a stranger.

Linn acquired a taste for German culture during his years of service in Frankfurt, ordering his beloved 1997 Gold BMW direct from the factory, grilling brats at the annual Carlyn Square Octoberfest, and always stalking the post-Christmas sales at the Fort Myer Exchange in search of discounted German holiday food and ornaments. 

As a lifelong animal lover, he knew a good dog when he saw one. He would buy a package of odds and ends at the deli counter for his beloved dog, Mika. He loved all of his “grand-dogs” equally, though Jo always got the biggest piece of toast and Gibster always got first pick on where to sit on the sofa. 

Through his first marriage, he is survived by his son, Stuart Schofield, of Houston, Texas. By his union to Sophaphan Schofield, he is survived by his son, Jesse Schofield, of Oakland, California, daughter Valerie Schofield, favorite grandson Bridger Yazdi, and his adoring cow, Darla, of Fulton, Missouri. Of all his titles, in his later years being Bridger’s Paw Paw was the most important. He is also survived by his niece Sara LaBerge, of Fletcher, North Carolina, and his doting sister Sallie Schofield, of Ogden, Utah. He was exceptionally close with his nephews, Don Roeun (Lorraine) of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Dan Roeun, of Aldi, Virginia. His long-time neighbors, the Flemings and the Langs, were especially dear to him. He was preceded in death by his parents Linn and Sara, and his youngest sister, Sherrill Schofield.

We will surely not forget someone who gave us all so much to remember. He was tremendously loved, and he will be tremendously missed.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 26th, at 10:00 am at Culmore UMC, located at 3400 Charles Street in Falls Church, VA.  Funeral services will be held immediately after beginning at 11:00 am and will be followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to the Linn Schofield Memorial Fund at Culmore UMC, either online at the church website or via mail at the address below:

Linn Schofield Memorial Fund

c/o Culmore United Methodist Church

3400 Charles Street

Falls Church, VA 22041