David Bernard Schneider very much lived his life as he wanted. After 75 years of life, his opinions, humor and loving consideration of others will be deeply missed. He passed away on February 9 surrounded by family and loved ones.
David was born on March 9, 1944 in Galveston, Texas to Gertrude and Morris Schneider. After graduating high school in Texas City, he attended the University of Texas where he received a BS in Business Administration in 1966, followed by a JD from the University of Texas School of Law in 1969. While at UT, he met the love of his life Ronnie Jean Gottlieb Schneider to whom he was married for over 30 years.
After leaving Austin, David moved to Washington DC where he worked for the Interstate Commerce Commision and then moved to Kansas City where he was council for Yellow Freight Trucking. In 1978, David relocated to Oklahoma City where he established himself as a leading attorney serving the transportation industry and practiced for over 40 years.
David was very active in professional and local charitable organizations throughout his life. He was a past President of the Transportation Lawyers Association, as well as an active board member for the Jewish Federation of OKC, St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation, Temple B’nai Israel, and Emanuel Synagogue.
David embraced life with an unwavering confidence, humor, and occasional irreverence.
He will be remembered for his stedfast dedication to Jewish values, passion for burnt orange Texas-inspired garb (including shirts, sweaters, cuff links and ties), his unique dancing skills, and generosity beyond his means.
Most of all he was resilient. His life was occasionally filled with obstacles and challenges but he always seemed to adapt and flourish with change. After Ronnie’s death in 1999, he found himself amidst a community supported not only by old friends but found ways to move forward and establish new friendships and loving relationships which brought him incredible joy in life.
He is survived by his children Jerome and Michelle. His five loving grandchildren- Rowan, Hayden, Trey, Icelie, and Abby- all of whom had a very special place in his heart.
Services will be held at Emanuel Synagogue on Tuesday, February 11 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in David’s memory to the Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City.
