Robert Schoening

US Navy veteran, expert in dangerous marine biology, scuba diver, avid collector of sea shells, Robert (Bob) Charles Schoening passed away Saturday, October 22, 2022 with his wife at his side.

Born December 24, 1942 in San Rafael CA to Muriel and Frank Schoening, he excelled in track and swimming in high school. He joined the US Navy in 1965, where he was instrumental develping the Navy’s drug testing program. As a Lab Tech stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk, he saw the horrors of the Viet Nam war as soldiers were flown onto ship for care. Upon retiring, he moved to Fairfax VA where started his own Maritime Drug Testing company, traveling coast to coast and internationally to audit drug testing programs. He was sought out by the US Coast Guard to lead their drug testing program, and eventually sold his business to work with the USCG headquarters in Washington D.C. During this time he also taught Microbiology for George Washington University in Washington D.C.

He participated on the Fairfax City Council, and various boards, including Board of Directors and presenter for Substance Abuse Program Administration Program (SAPAA). He was well-known and respected in the drug testing world.

Bob’s passion was his sea shell collection. At one time he had over twenty-two thousand specimens, all which he categorized by genus family, location and date found, and price. He actively participated in various shell clubs.

Bob retired from the USCG in 2013, moving to Whidbey Island, WA with his wife, Kathy. While on Whidbey Island, he participated in various volunteer organizations, including the Island County WA State Ferry Commission. They moved to San Antonio TX when Bob’s health required specialists that the island could not offer.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathy, daughter Cindy (Daniels), son-in-law Jim, granddaughter Lizzie, brother Jerry, step-son Jason Sechrist, his wife Rebekah and grandchildren Ava and Cole as well as various nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert (Bobby) Schoening Jr.

Military services will be held at Fort Sam Houston, TX November 18, 2022 at 11:15 AM.

In lieu of flowers Bob would appreciate donations to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum in Sanibel, FL. Their donation button is on their website: https://donorbox.org/bmnsm-greatest-need . Please note your donation is in honor or memory of Robert C. Schoening.