Raymond Schneider Obituary

RAYMOND J. SCHNEIDER, 77, beloved husband, father, grandfather, civic and business leader, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2003. Born September 13, 1925 in Alexandria, South Dakota, to Leo and Catherine Schneider and was the older of two sons. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a BS degree in Petroleum Engineering. He served our country in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War at the rank of Lieutenant, aboard the USS Hitckox DD-673. Ray was a founding member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church where he served on several ministries. He was a faithful and devoted Christian who touched the lives of many people through his many volunteer activities which included, among other charities: past Governor and area President of Serra International, which supports the ministry of vocations to the priesthood; contributed tireless time, treasure and talent to the Chancery of the Galveston - Houston Diocese, St. Mary's Seminary and Holy Name Retreat Center. He received many honors and awards which included Pope John Paul II bestowing the Medal of Venerable Cross on March 25, 1997, the Harry J. O'Haire Award on June 26, 1998 and the Serra Frank Metyko Award in 1992. He served on the board of directors of numerous organizations. Ray spent his entire business career of 37 years as an executive with Hughes Tool Company, where he started as a rock bit salesman in the field and rose to the position of Group President. He is survived in death by his brother Bob Schneider and his wife Lois; children, Mary C. Schneider, David M. Schneider, Richard C. Schneider and wife Lynann, and Gregory P. Schneider and his wife Hedy; grandchildren, Richard Jr. and his wife Jennifer, Christin, Kyle, Gregory Jr., Zachary, Rose Catherine, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife of 49 years, Phyllis. Pallbearers will be his six grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers are F.T. Alexander, George Bauer, Jerry Bush, Mark Costello, Dewitt Dees, John Grassel, Jim Lesch, Walter Naughton, Al Opersteny, John Schwarzbach, Fritz Smith, and Fred Tschirley. Visitation for Mr. Schneider will be held 4:00 -6:00 P.M., Friday, July 25, 2003 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home followed by a Vigil from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M., at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10330 Hillcroft. Funeral Mass will be recited 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 26, 2003 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Msgr. William L. Young, Celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family sincerely requests that memorials be directed to Serra International Club of Southwest Houston, c/o Richard Schneider, 54 Wedgewood Ct., Lake Jackson, TX 77566, Holy Name Retreat Center, 430 Bunker Hill Rd., Houston, TX 77024, or St. Thomas More Catholic Church.