Nathan Lee Schnautz, age 60, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Sunday, July 1, 2018, at his home, in the loving care of this family.

He was born February 23, 1958, in Flora, the son of James Larry and Mary Lena (Cordell) Schnautz. Nathan was united in marriage to Laura Kathleen Grimmett on June 2, 1984, in Greenville. She preceded him in death on September 16, 2012.

Nathan’s “make it happen” spirit arose early from his family’s strong roots in faith, his personal trust in the Scriptures, and an instinctive determination to lead by example. He was a person of both vision and action who maintained straightforward convictions. A graduate of Lawrenceville High School and St. Louis Christian College, Nathan pursued a bi-vocational path in life, following a compelling call to bring the Word to others as an evangelist and as a self-employed mechanic of heavy machinery. He was affiliated with a number of churches including his current position as minister at Patoka Christian Church, and prior churches including Buckeye Christian Church, Brown Christian Church, and Dieterich Christian Church. He, along with his family, served as a missionary in Panama for a year, and on brief mission trips to Haiti and Mexico. His adventuresome spirit led him to take an interest in aviation, and he earned his pilot’s license and operated his own vintage aircraft. He also found enjoyment in motorcycles and travel. Nathan’s children, siblings, and church family will treasure the memories of a man who loved generously and will be remembered as a constant and selfless servant of the Lord.

He is survived by his children: Seth (Chelsea) Schnautz of Louisville, Sarah Kathleen Schnautz of Kalamazoo, MI, Micah Levi Schnautz of Patoka, and Abigail Lena Schnautz of Louisville; two grandchildren: Noah Levi and Joel Thomas Schnautz; two brothers: Timothy (Bridget) Schnautz of Clay City, and Jonathan (Dee Ann) Schnautz of Dix; and one sister: Twila (Don) Sias of Orlando, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Red Brush Christian Church in Louisville. Interment will follow in Scott Cemetery, Winterrowd. A visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. In lieu of flowers or gift items, memorial donations are preferred and may be made to Oil Belt Christian Service Camp and will be accepted through the funeral home.