In Memoriam
The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War solemnly recognizes the passing of Past Commander-in-Chief Donald Braden “Brad” Schall, who recently passed away at age 85. PCinC Schall was elected Commander-in-Chief on August 14, 2010 at the 129th annual Encampment of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Overland Park, Kansas. Brother Schall served the Order at the Camp, Department and National levels in a multitude of progressively vital positions with particular distinction. At the time of his election Brother Schall was the fifth Californian to be elected Commander-in-Chief.
Born in Hutchinson, Kansas, Brother Brad was introduced to his family’s Civil War history and the Joseph Hooker GAR Post 17 by his “Nana Schall.” As a child, his family participated in Memorial Day services with descendants of members of the Hooker Post, of which his great-grandfather had been a member.
After a notable career in the food industry, in 2002 Brother Brad retired to Lincoln, California. Having joined the Phil Sheridan Camp 4 in San José in the mid-1990s, over the years he held nearly every position in the several Camps to which he belonged. Brother Brad was the organizer of the Gen. Alfred Pleasonton Camp 24 in 1999 and elected Commander of the Department of California and Pacific in 2002 and 2003.