Obituary

Obituary for Claude "Bud" Estel Schindler Jr.

Claude “Bud” Estel Schindler, Jr., age 90, of Dayton, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025, at his residence.

At an early age, Bud felt the call of God on his life. He was raised in a Christian home and witnessed the transformative power of faith through his parents, Claude and Dorothy Schindler. Their commitment to Christ laid the foundation for Bud’s lifelong journey in ministry and education. After graduating from Oakwood High School, Bud earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in education from Wright State University. In addition, he served in the Air Force, and participated in the ROTC program during his college years. All the while, God continued to prepare him for an even greater purpose in the years to come.

Bud’s life was one of profound personal faith and resilience. Alongside his beloved wife, Carole, he faced the joys and trials of parenthood, which included the heartbreaking loss of an infant daughter. Through every challenge, Bud and Carole found strength in their faith, teaching their children the importance of prayer and trust in God’s faithfulness.

Bud’s love for his five children and his grandchildren was evident in all he did. His family made ministry a collective mission, emphasizing the importance of faith and education from the moment he was called to start what would become the largest Christian school in Greater Dayton.

In 1963, Bud played a pivotal role in establishing Dayton Christian Schools, transforming an idea initiated by the senior pastor of Patterson Park Brethren Church into reality. From a worldly perspective, he was very successful, building a solid and lucrative career at Dayton-based NCR Corp. However, God planted a restlessness in him, and he recognized the Lord's call when the steering committee asked him to serve as Dayton Christian's first leader. During the first decade of Dayton Christian's existence, Bud balanced his roles as a businessman and educator. In 1972, he left his position at NCR to fully dedicate himself to the growth and development of the school.

The school began out of a conviction that Christian families should have access to Christian education for their children. At the time, there were no available Christian schools in the area. Bud once said, “God said, ‘My son, I want you to go and be a part of a school system.’ And then I began to have to do some research and build my knowledge base of what Christian education was really about.”

The system, which initially included multiple campuses across Greater Dayton, eventually expanded to an enrollment of 2,900 students, making it one of the largest Christian school systems in the country. A portion of the system's growth stemmed from collaborations with smaller Christian schools, such as Troy Christian School and Xenia Christian School (now Legacy Christian), which sought Dayton Christian's support to establish or expand their campuses.

Over four decades, his roles as Bible teacher, principal, superintendent, and President Emeritus were marked by a passion for teaching the Gospel and a commitment to excellence in Christian education. Bud authored several books on Christian education, including 'Educating for Eternity,' which was translated into three languages. He was instrumental in establishing the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and traveled worldwide to mentor and encourage Christian educators.

Bud's impact extended far beyond the classroom. Even up to his 90th birthday celebration, he was known for his warm greetings, heartfelt prayers, and compassionate guidance for students and faculty. His profound belief in the transformative power of Christ-centered education left a lasting legacy for over 5,000 alumni and their families. Today, his contributions to advancing Christian education across the country are remembered by those following in his footsteps.

Although the Christian-based work, leadership, and accomplishments defined Bud’s life, he was also known for his competitive spirit in sports. During his high school days, he played basketball, football, and baseball. While attending the University of Cincinnati, he participated on the baseball team and was the catcher for well-known pitcher Sandy Koufax, which Bud was proud of and humorously never hesitated to share with friends. His love of sports and outdoor activities extended throughout his life, even riding a bike until the past couple of months. He also enjoyed golf, bowling, and playing in a men’s basketball league for many years. His competitive spirit also extended throughout his life, especially as a fan of the Reds, Bengals, Dayton Flyers, and The OSU Buckeyes.

Bud had a longstanding invitation to family and friends to join him after church each week for lunch in a local restaurant, which became one of his fond traditions. He also enjoyed visiting his son a couple of times each year in Virginia Beach, where he enjoyed walking the boardwalk, eating out in the local restaurants, and sights and sounds of the beach community. While Bud was known throughout the world for the Christian-based books he wrote, he was also an avid reader and had quite the collection of Christian focused books. He also loved collecting unusual trinkets and mementos from the many countries that he visited during speaking engagements. His family always marveled at the intricate keepsakes he collected from Russia, Ukraine, and Thailand.

Bud was preceded in death by a daughter, Debra Carole Schindler; daughter-in-law, Andrea Schindler; great-grandson, Emmett Sutton; and his parents, Claude Estel Sr. and Dorothy Marie Schindler. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carole; four children, Diane (Russell) Ellwood, Joanne (Robert) Grove, Julie (Steven) Pollard, and Stephen Schindler; 13 grandchildren, Elizabeth Ellwood, Daniel Ellwood, Bryan (Rachel) Grove, Liz (Cole) Evenson, Deborah (Aaron) Sutton, Sarah (Nathan) Frey, Lauren (David) Southam, Allie (Josh) Thomas, Christian (Lindsay) Pollard, Claude “Michael” Pollard, Stephen (Anna) Schindler Jr., Kimberly (Corbett) Casteen, and Caroline (Titus) Beeler; 13 great-grandchildren, Luka Claude, Ella, Brooklyn, Carter, Jack, Milo, Charlie, Eliana, Brooks, Ada, Caiden, Carter, and Cooper; and his brother, James (Rochelle) Schindler.

Among many things, Bud will be remembered for having a personality that was warm, friendly, accepting, outgoing, caring, easy-going, and disciplined. He was also strong and driven in his life’s work, especially his faith-based work, and never hesitated to ask those he just met if they know Jesus. As we remember Bud, we celebrate a life lived in devotion to Christ and a mission fulfilled in service to others. His favorite scripture, Acts 20:24, encapsulates his life’s work: “But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus.”

All are invited to join the family in a celebration of Bud’s life at 10 AM on Saturday, March 15 at the Dayton Christian Schools gymnasium. Prior to the celebration of life service, Bud will be buried during a private ceremony in David’s Cemetery. Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Bud, donations are encouraged to be made to Dayton Christian Schools, (please note - Financial Aide on checks). Bud always encouraged donations to the financial aide account at the school to assist families of all backgrounds in affording a Christian education.

Condolences to the family may be made to the family at www.connerandkoch.com.