S&H Farm Supply co-founder dies

Photo courtesy S&H Farm Supply Inc.

Wayne Schnelle

Wayne Schnelle, who co-founded Lockwood-based S&H Farm Supply Inc. 50 years ago, died Nov. 1. He was 88.

Schnelle died after he had a stroke Oct. 22, according to his obituary posted to Greenfield Funeral Chapel's website.

“Wayne was a friend to many and had a fierce passion for agriculture and helping others succeed,” S&H Farm Supply posted on its Facebook page Nov. 1. “His shared wisdom and his continuing quest for learning impacted countless lives and his legacy will live on forever.”

Schnelle was CEO of the company, according to the Facebook post and S&H Farm Supply's website. His son, company President Eric Schnelle, could not be reached for comment by deadline.

S&H Farm Supply has been recognized multiple times with Springfield Business Journal awards, most recently taking top honors in the 2016 Business Class.

The farm equipment and vehicle supplier operates four stores in Rogersville, Lockwood, Joplin and Mountain Grove, according to its website.

Wayne Schnelle started S&H Farm Supply with Erwin Hedeman. When Eric Schnelle graduated from Missouri State University in 1987, he bought out Terry Hedeman, Erwin Hedeman’s son, and began working at S&H full time, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.