He was drafted directly out of high school to serve in World War II. During the war, he served in the South Pacific and was a member of the original Army of Occupation of Japan.
 
After receiving his commission through ROTC at the University of Akron, he joined the Ohio National Guard. His unit was activated for the Korean War and was sent to Korea in 1952. He remained on active duty for 26 years and also served in the Vietnam War.

He received the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Meritorious Service Medal, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, among others.

Survivors include his wife of almost 60 years, Margaret "Midge" Schnorf; three children, Richard "Cole" Schnorf Jr. of Ellicott City, Maryland, Robert "Bob" Schnorf of Front Royal and Susanne "Susie" Schnorf Breeden of Bealeton; and six grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Firt Lieutenant Charles Jeffrey Schnorf, USMC, killed in the Beirut Bombing of 1983, and his sister, Maela.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Royston Funeral Home in Marshall on Friday, November 3, at 4 and 5 p.m., respectively. Interment will be held on a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marshall Volunteer Rescue Squad or to the Citadel Foundation, designated for the Lieuenant Charles Schnorf Scholarship Fund, 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston South Carolina 29409-6230.