Benajmin "Ben" H. Schneider

Benjamin “Ben” H. Schneider, 79, passed away on December 11, 2025 in Austin, Texas.

Ben was born on January 23, 1946, in Kansas City, Missouri to Jules and Irene Ruth (Handy) Schneider.

His Dad was a manager for Hill’s Bros. Shoe Company, who oversaw the opening of new stores, which required the family moving to a new city or state whenever a new store was opening. He attended both University of Wisconsin and Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana.

In Ben’s high school years, he worked at the local YMCA as a swimming instructor. Ben proudly joined the U. S. Air Force in 1965 and honorably served his country, achieving the rank of Airman Second Class. 

After the service Ben worked for GTE/Verizon in the Marketing, Sales and Product Management Groups for nearly 30 years, retiring in 1999.

From age eight, Ben was a devoted New York Yankees fan, a love of baseball that stayed with him throughout his life. He also cherished fishing trips with his father, which sparked a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Boxing became another passion, taught and coached by his father, and Ben’s dedication earned him Golden Glove status during his teenage years.

As an adult, Ben found joy in team sports, playing volleyball and softball, and he treasured weekends camping with his children, along with their annual family trips to Florida. After retiring, he settled in Burnet, where he delighted in fishing at Lake Buchanan nearly every day. His commitment to community service was equally strong: Ben joined the Cassie Volunteer Fire Department, serving as both a firefighter and Fire Board President for nearly two decades, and as President of Burnet County ESD2.

A true sports enthusiast, Ben followed countless games with passion and precision. While his favorite teams were the Yankees, Notre Dame football, and Indiana University basketball, he loved watching and critiquing plays across all sports, never losing his sharp eye for the game.

Ben is predeceased by his parents, Jules and Irene Schneider.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Lee (Gater) Schneider; children, Lori Marie Goodman (Cameron), Julie Lynn Williams (Gary), and Patrick Michael Schneider (Lisa); grandchildren, Mackenzie and Addie Williams, Merrit and Raker Goodman, John Schneider (Alexandra), James Schneider (Sabina), and Matthew Monier; seven great grandchildren, and several brother and sister in laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a Celebration of Ben’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cassie Volunteer Fire Department, PO Bos 184, Buchanan Dam, Texas 78609; The Cardiothoracic Vascular Surgeons. 1010 W. 40th St Austin, TX 78756, or the charity of your choice.

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