Global Ministries is saddened to learn of the death of Harold ‘Hal’ Schoup
Harold “Hal” Schoup
October 6, 1932 – December 15, 2015
Reverend Harold Schoup, better known as “Hal” by friends, and “Dad” by his children, died on December 15, 2015, 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 go on to earn a Master of Divinity degree.
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 in education then turned into an adventure of mission work, serving as partners for the next 17 years in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey through what today is Global Ministries.
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 praise and credit to his co-workers. His personally-designated parking spot was the one furthest away from the entrance, because “the close spots should be for everyone else.”
In recent years, many spotted Hal 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, and at the same time he enjoyed making the grounds look attractive.
Upon moving to Uplands Village in Pleasant Hill, TN, Hal became an active member in the Pleasant Hill Community United Church of Christ and the broader retirement community. He was a supporter of the Blue Barn and proud of his participation with 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 at the same time staying abreast of current events, and would passionately engage with individuals about subjects from politics to religion. He was completely comfortable being married to a woman that was his professional equal. He loved art, often noticing what others did not notice. He was fiercely proud of his children, sons in law, and grandchildren (even the furry ones). His family could count on him even when they made decisions that he did not fully understand.
Hal Schoup is survived by his wife of 61 years, The Reverend Dr. Ann Hausman Schoup; three children — Mrs. Sandra Richard, wife of Robert Richard, The Villages, FL; Mrs. Fauz Schoup, wife of Steven Brooks, Nashville, TN; The Rev. Bruce Schoup, Seneca, SC — and 3 grandchildren.
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, 67 Church Drive, Pleasant Hill, TN 38578. Condolences may be made to the family in care of his wife Reverend Dr. Ann Schoup, P.O. Box 58, Pleasant Hill, TN 38578-0058.