Gene David Schroder

Gene David Schroder passed away peacefully at his residence in Missouri City, Texas, on June 9, 2026, surrounded by family. Gene was born on October 25, 1944, in Atascadero, California, to parents August and Delma Schroder. After graduating from Reagan High School in Houston, Gene received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rice University, and his Ph.D. in Biology from the University of New Mexico. Always very athletic, Gene played football and baseball in high school and was a catcher on the baseball team at Rice.

Gene met Sherry Eagan in the library at the University of New York at Albany. Gene and Sherry were married on August 7, 1971, in Delmar, New York, and would have celebrated 55 years of marriage later this year. Gene spent his entire career as a public health professor at the University of Texas School of Public Health, before retiring.

When Gene wasn’t working, he was likely to be found in his garage working on some project whether it was constructing kitchen cabinets or fixing something that was broken. When not working on something around the house, Gene was likely cheering on a Houston sports team (especially the Astros or the Texans) or playing with the family dog.

After retirement, Gene and Sherry designed and oversaw the construction of a home in the mountains of the Gallinas River canyon of New Mexico, near where Gene had done research for his Ph.D. Gene loved spending time in New Mexico piddling in his workshop and enjoying the beautiful and serene views of nature.

Gene is survived by his wife Sherry, his daughter Dr. Catherine (Shawn) Raver of Dallas, son Dr. Steven (Liz Hanks) Schroder of Houston, three grandchildren, Peyton Raver, and Adeline and Eloise Schroder, brother Michael (Linda) Schroder of Houston, sisters-in-law Lyn (Jim) Baynes of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Candy (Jerry) Delzotto of Venice, Florida, and several nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

Gene’s wishes were to be cremated. The immediate family will have private services at a later date at one of Gene’s favorite locations on the New Mexico property.

Memorial contributions in Gene’s name may be made to the Houston SPCA, Houston Cares, or the Humane Society of Houston.