Richard Ewald Schneider, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025 at the age of 88 in Kingston, Oklahoma surrounded by loved ones.

Born on February 12, 1937 in Kenosha, Wisconsin,  Richard was the youngest son of Ewald Schneider and Helen Dudeck and the brother of William, George, Betty and Catherine.  Richard enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 and dedicated 20 years of his life in service to his country.  He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and was known to be loved and respected by those he served alongside.  He was honored to serve and remained extremely proud of this opportunity throughout his life.

He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Seaton on April 25th, 1955 and together they raised four daughters, Joni, Kathi, Lori, and Richelle and were blessed with fourteen grandchildren and thirty great grandchildren.  Their marriage lasted fifty six wonderful years until Carol passed away in 2011.

Richard loved spending time outside.  In his early years he spent time golfing, skiing, and fishing.  Later in his life he could be found in his yard tending to his beautiful plants and flowers, watching the birds and squirrels, or on his porch relaxing with a beer.  He passed on his love of all things music to his children and grandchildren and spent much of his last time on this earth enjoying live music shows at places like San Antonio Livestock Show,  Gruene Hall, and Luckenbach, Texas.  He thoroughly enjoyed a good meal with family and friends and became a much loved patron in his favorite Hill Country restaurants.

Richard is survived by his four daughters, Joni Bickerstaff of Longview, Texas, Kathi Schneider Shaw of Clovis New Mexico. Lori Russell of Kingston Oklahoma, and Richelle Brown and her husband Shawn of Fort Collins, Colorado, Richard is also survived by his sister in law Debbie Rose Seaton Siech of Waterloo, Iowa, Brother in law, Don Krull of Cedar Falls, Iowa and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Carol, his father Ewald (Clara) Schneider, his Mother, Helen (Virgilio "Chico") Casarez, his siblings William Schneider, George Schneider, Catherine Schneider, and Betty Krull and his beloved friend and son in law, the one and only Cowboy Joe Russell.

Funeral Service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery

June 12, 2025 at 11 a.m.

501 North Guadalupe Street     Santa Fe, NM 87501     505.988.6497

with arrangements being made by Watts Funeral home in Kingston, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the following:

The American Alzheimer's Association

PO Box 96011     Washington, DC 20090-6011

or

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place     Memphis, TN 38105