George William Schneider Jr.'s Obituary
George William Schneider Jr. was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 21, 1935 (the longest day of the year) to George William Schneider Sr. and Katherine Watson Schneider. George’s father was one of the original geologists with The Texas Company which moved their office to New Orleans, Louisiana in 1941. George Jr. spent the rest of his childhood in New Orleans, and he was a proud graduate of Jesuit High School in 1953. While at Jesuit, George participated on the track team which won several local and state championships.
George enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin in 1953, following his father’s footsteps to major in the Geology School of Education. He was accepted as a walk-on for the UT track team. In spring 1956, George ran the first leg of the 440-yard relay team at the Kansas Relays. His team set a world record.
While at The University of Texas, George became a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, serving as their president in 1956 to 1957. He was also a member of the Silver Spurs Service Organization, honored as an “Outstanding Student” of Texas University, and was a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Corps of Engineers. After graduation, George received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. After serving six months in the military, he remained in the Army Reserve for approximately nine years, being discharged as a Captain. George remained an enthusiastic life-long UT Longhorn fan!
After his service, George became a geologist with Pan American Petroleum, first in Lafayette, Louisiana and later in New Orleans, Louisiana. George became an independent geologist in 1963, moving back to Lafayette in 1965. He was involved in oil and gas exploration for almost 25 years. While in Lafayette, George was an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church and later served as both Junior and Senior Warden of Ascension Episcopal Church. He was president of the Lafayette Petroleum Club in 1981 and 1982, and he was King of Town House Krewe of Troubadours in 1985. He served on the University of Texas Geological Advisory Foundation for 17 years.
In 1985, George retired to Austin, Texas where he was a charter member of the Barton Creek Country Club. He officiated track meets as a National Official of the U.S. Track and Field Association, and he was president of the Texas Beta Student Alumni Association.
In 1992, George returned to Louisiana, enjoying his retirement playing golf, traveling, and enjoying good food. He lived in Madisonville and Mandeville for most of that time, moving his last few years to live close to his two daughters in Baton Rouge.
Together with his children, George made a gift to the New Orleans Geological Society in memory of his father who was the organizer and first president of the society in 1941. They established the George Schneider Sr. Scholarship Award, given annually to a geology major at Tulane, UNO, or LSU.
George is survived by the mother of his children, Marianne Rawland Schneider of Lafayette, Louisiana and the pride and joy of his life, his four children: Kathryn King (Matt Diment), George William (Bill) Schneider III (Karon Davis), Susan King (Will), and Steven Schneider (Tricia). He is survived by eight grandchildren: Amanda King Rodrigue, Riley King, Taylor King, Ashley Schneider Darnell, Colin King, William Schneider, Jake Schneider, and Hannah Schneider. He is survived by nine great-grandchildren: Louis, Blakely, and Aubrey Rodrigue; Leighton, Sloane, and Autumn King; Adelaide, Eloise, and Theo Darnall. He is also survived by cousins Roger Ogden, John Watson, and Don Pasquella. He was proceeded in death by his parents, George W. Schneider Sr. and Katherine Watson Schneider and his son-in-law, Bryan Leo King.
George was known for his pride of family, his faith which he shared freely, and making friends wherever he went. He cared deeply about people, always remembering birthdays and anniversaries, and he loved to share stories and laughter.
A service of remembrance will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Asbury United Methodist Church, located at 101 Live Oak Drive, Lafayette, Louisiana. Interment of ashes will follow in Asbury UMC’s columbarium.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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