Norbert Ray Schneider

Ray, as he was known by his friends and family, was born to Gilbert Ed Schneider and Norma Louise Schneider, December 23, 1937, in Floresville, Texas. He graduated from Floresville High School in 1956 and received a bachelor’s degree in general engineering from Texas A&I University in 1961.

An active member of ROTC in high school and university and after receiving a U.S. Army commission of second lieutenant, Ray begin his illustrious military career in August 1961 and retired in September 1981 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. While on active duty, Ray served abroad in Korea, Vietnam and Germany. In April 1967, Ray was presented the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations Against Hostile Forces. He ended his military career at the U.S. Army Logistics Center in Fort Lee, Virginia.

Upon retirement from the military, he settled into the profession of sales and service of fire extinguishers, working with Fire King (1982-86) and A-1 Fire and Safety (1986-2004).

Besides spending time with his family, Ray’s passion for the majority of his life was the collection of sports memorabilia. He began collecting trading cards as a teenager and was a season ticket holder for the San Antonio Missions where he spent evenings amongst his friends and fellow autograph seekers.

Service was important to Ray throughout all aspects of his life. Upon his return to Texas after his retirement from the military, he became a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church and volunteered by counting tithes and offerings. Ray also volunteered at Brooke Army Medical Center in patient transport.

An only child, he is survived by daughters Patricia McGowan, Bettina Simpson and Dawn Schneider Wester; grandchildren Rebekah, Gary, Chris, Nick, Joy and Andrew; great-grandchildren Scarlet, Claire, Grant, Lucy and Lissette; and numerous cousins and other family members. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his son Gregory Glenn Schneider.

He will be dearly missed by the many who knew and loved him.

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 3-6 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218. A funeral service will occur Monday, April 28, 2025 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. King of Kings Lutheran Church LCMS, 13888 Dreamwood Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233. A reception will occur Monday, April 28, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. King of Kings Lutheran Church LCMS, 13888 Dreamwood Dr, San Antonio, TX 78233. A military honors will occur Monday, April 28, 2025 from 2-2:30 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.