Gerald Andrew Schoonmaker

Gerald Andrew Schoonmaker, 61 of Bay St. Louis, passed away Tuesday in Kiln. The oldest of five children, he was born June 14, 1959 in Bay St. Louis. Known to most as Andy, grew up in the Bay and came to enjoy hunting, fishing and crabbing, among many other things that most South MS boys get in to. He also enjoyed boxing and was involved in Golden Gloves for some time. After his academic pursuits, Gerald went to work on a tuna boat out in the Gulf of Mexico. After a few years on the boat, Andy decided to go into construction as a carpenter, spending many years in that field. For his birthday in 1992, he married Debra Meyers and they made their home in the Bay as well. He was a jovial guy that wasn't afraid to speak his mind, but in reality, Andy was a big 'ol mommas boy as they say. He worked hard to provide for his family, taking them out to eat every Friday night without fail, usually to Lane's in Bay St. Louis. He loved his kids and never missed an event they were in, but his grandkids were truly special to Andy. Known for many things, he was the type that loved to tinker with things, all in effort to fix them, but rarely did that ever happen. A most interesting character that enjoyed Hurricane's Malt Liquor, Andy will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded by his parents, Joseph Hill and Geraldine Schoonmaker; his brother, Asa Hill, and his loving wife, Debra. Left to try and finally fix everything he tinkered with are his children: two sons, Michael Wilson and "Little" Andy, Jr., both of Bay St. Louis, and his daughter Tammy (Joe) Staggs of Kiln; his brothers Len (Ellen) Click and Johnny (Claudia) Linton, both of Pascagoula, and Danny (Cathy) Hill of Bay St. Louis. Andy leaves a legacy of thirteen grandchildren and two great-grands, along with numerous extended family, friends, neighbors and missing parts to things everywhere. A Celebration of his Life will be held Saturday afternoon, October 3rd at 5:00 PM in Kiln at the Staggs's residence. Family and friends are encouraged to come share in the many happy memories. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Schoonmaker family in their time of need and asks everyone to keep them in your prayers in this trying time.