R. J. Schroeder

RJ Schroeder, MD, 92, went to be with our Lord on June 4, 2025. He was born on September 14, 1932 in Kendleton, Texas. RJ was the second of five boys who grew up in East Bernard, Texas playing multiple sports, farming and attending East Bernard High School. He graduated in 1950, was a class favorite and talented athlete. He accepted a football scholarship to Rice University and was a Letterman in 1951, 1952 and 1953. His freshman year, he was recruited to play basketball and baseball before he declared football as his main sport. While at Rice, RJ met the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Leona Schifani Schroeder. They graduated in 1955 and married in 1957. RJ continued his education at the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston, TX. Upon graduating in 1960, he opened his family practice and served the Houston area for 51 years before retiring in 2011.

RJ was known for his caring and compassion to his patients and was honored to be the Chief of Staff at Memorial Herman Memorial City Hospital in 1976. RJ coached his sons in Pee–Wee football at St. Cecilia Church and went on to be a Team Doctor at Memorial High School. He loved to fish, bird hunt and being with his family out on Lake Conroe. When the grandkids were born, he became a devoted fan of all their sports: football, baseball, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics and theatre. If they were participating, he was there with Leona rooting them on! Family was what he lived for. He will be greatly missed for his wisdom until we meet up with him again.

RJ was preceded in death by his wife Leona, son Mark, parents Charles and Metha and brothers Chester, Clifford, Marvin and Charlie.

RJ is survived by his son, Daryl and wife Carol, daughter Cheryl Richardson and husband Dave. Grandkids Mike Schroeder and wife Heather, Kristen Heller and husband Ryan, Lauren Moriarty and husband Michael, Matthew Richardson and wife Jordan, Natalie Augustine and husband Zach, Sarah Walter and husband William and Sydney Schroeder. RJ had seven great-grandkids, Hudson and Emmy Schroeder, Kenzie and Lizzie Heller, Maggie Moriarty, Blair and Lilly Augustine.

The family would like to thank his devoted caregivers, Maria Valencia, Patty Behana, Denise Matthews and Jackie Marcelle. Life was always better with you in it!

We will have a private family graveside service in East Bernard to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to The Houston SPCA, 7007 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024 or The Salvation Army, 2208 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007.