All too soon, John Carl Schudel, 62, of Arcadia, Florida, passed away Sunday, November 14, 2010, at DeSoto Memorial Hospital, in the midst of friends and family. John was born in Monroe, Michigan on September 29, 1948, the oldest child of Glenn and DeLores Schudel. He was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and received a master s degree in theatre from Florida State University. He began teaching at DeSoto County High School in 1973. During his time at DHS, he taught English, drama, and speech. For many years, he served as coach of the high school s drama club and directed several student productions, including the DeSoto Follies and the annual DHS pantomime show. From 1993 through 2010, he acted as co-coach of the high school academic team, which he helped lead to two state championships. In 1997, he was selected to coach Team Florida, and led the state academic team to a national championship. Also in 1997, John was the Region IV finalist for Florida s State Teacher of the Year, and in 2005 he was voted Best Teacher in Florida by Florida Monthly magazine. Well known for his humor, passion, and unique teaching style, he was an inspiration to generations of DeSoto County school children and loved by his colleagues, who affectionately called him Mr. Shoe. He retired from teaching at the end of the 2009-10 school year. John co-founded the DeSoto Little Theatre in 1976 and frequently directed, acted, and produced for the organization and, more recently, he appeared in local theatrical productions with the Hardee Players. Since 1985, he served as the voice of the Arcadia Championship Rodeo Shoot-Out. He claimed that one of the highlights of his theatrical career was being directed by his son, Glenn, in Le Supermarch for the DeSoto Arts and Humanities Council in 2008. His final performance was in The Last Room at Trinity United Methodist Church. Earlier this year, the DeSoto Arts and Humanities Council presented him with a lifetime achievement award. He was also a talented musician who enjoyed singing and playing the piano, harmonica, and sousaphone. He loved Arcadia and the people who live there. In the thirty-eight years he spent in this community, he became a friend to many and will be remembered for his generosity, his charm, and his love of a good conversation. John is survived by his wife Patricia; his two sons, Glenn and Carl; his sister Roxanna (Scott) Johnson of North Fort Myers; his brothers Frederic (Mary) Schudel of Punta Gorda and Clayton (Ken) Schudel of Brooklyn, NY; his dearest friend Jerry (Linda) Waters of Arcadia; thirty-four nieces and nephews; and nineteen grand-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Calvin (Pamela) Schudel. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church since 1973, and served as usher captain. A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, November 18, 2010 between 6 and 8 p.m. in the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsborough Avenue, Arcadia. The memorial service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 20, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Autism Society, 4340 East West Hwy Suite 350, Bethesda, MD 20814. Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.