Hugh Charles Schooley

Hugh Charles Schooley went to be with his maker on May 1, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Hugh was born on February 14, 1942, to Elmer C. and Katherine H. (Fuller) Schooley of Walsh CO.

Hugh’s young years were spent horseback, hunting, fishing, raising horses and other livestock with his dad. As a young boy, Hugh found an abandoned baby crow, which he raised and taught to talk. His mom Katherine would tell stories of how he taught the crow to say “bad” words.

Hugh graduated from Walsh High School in 1960. He attended Adam State College in Alamosa, CO before joining the US Army. Hugh was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and Fort Gordon, GA before being sent to Boblingen Germany for service. Hugh received a hardship discharge, with the passing of his father Elmer, and returned to Walsh. Hugh took over his father’s operations and started a family after returning to Walsh. There he was blessed with 3 children: Charles R. (Ray), Crystal and Dawn. Hugh was a member of the Baca County Sheriff’s Posse and EMT/Paramedic Crew.

In 1988, Hugh married Jan Spencer, and 3 more children joined the family: Christopher, Matthew and Heather. Hugh spent endless hours hunting and fishing with his kids along with sporting events, Tae Kwon Do, Boy and Girl Scouts, and any other events his 6 kids were involved in. In the mid 90’s, Hugh joined the Christian motorcycle Association and later became the president of his local chapter. Hugh spent many hours traveling on his motorcycle to visit his kids in college in Montana and Idaho, special trips with his best friend/brother Dale Stoner and Jan all over the U.S. Hugh was a member of the Otero County Sheriff’s Posse for over 30 years. He enjoyed his years serving his communities and building forever relationships with his brothers in blue. Hugh was a devout Christian, member of the Cowboy Church and the Nazarene Church in LaJunta, CO.

Hugh got great joy in his later years spending time with his beloved grandkids and great-grandkids. He is survived by his wife Jan, children, Ray, wife Adriel Schooley of Oshkosh, NE; Chris Spencer of Colorado Springs CO; Crystal Schooley of Wiesbaden, Germany; Matt Spencer of Denver CO; Heather, husband Jared Milenski of Pueblo West, CO; and Dawn, husband Kirk Schooley-Anderson of Worden MT; 10 grandchildren & 2 great-grandkids. Along with many other family members and friends. Hugh is predeceased in death by his parents, brother-in-law & sister, Rano and Sarah Sullivan; and his special brother Dale Stoner.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene in La Junta CO, with inurnment at Fairview Cemetery and lunch at the church to follow. With Pastors Mark Callister & Gail Allen officiating.

Hugh was the true definition of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, and will be dearly missed.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.