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1942 - 2017
Cecil Elliot Schenker, a lifelong San Antonio resident, passed away Monday, February 14, 2017 at his home surrounded by family and friends at the age of 74.
Cecil graduated from Jefferson High School in 1960. He then attended University of Oklahoma, followed by the University of Texas Law School: a source of great conflict come football season. He practiced law in San Antonio for nearly fifty years; beginning with his father, Herbert, at Schenker Rosenheim and Schenker. Later the firm merged with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld where he went on to serve as managing partner. The firm grew to become the city's largest for nearly two decades under his stewardship. He specialized in securities, emerging growth and mergers and acquisitions and over his career he worked with companies such as Taco Cabana, House of Blues, Romano Group LLC, Fuddruckers, Boston Market, PF Changs, IPO Investment bankers, the San Antonio Spurs, and countless others. He finished his legal career with Cox & Smith before retiring due to health reasons.
Cecil was such a powerful force. He was a true mentor and an amazingly giving friend. His infectious smile, his quick wit and adventurous spirit will fill the hearts of so many he touched. A family man of the first order, Cecil left behind a lifetimes worth of memories and stories. The void in their hearts will not be filled, but the torch he lit will be carried on.
He was preceded in death by his father Herbert Schenker and his mother Gertrude Schenker. Cecil is survived by his wife, Dona of 44 years; his two sons, Alexander Max Schenker and Max Elliot Schenker; his beloved daughters in law, Denae Farley Schenker and Barbara Ziegler Schenker; and his two grandsons, Colton Alexander Schenker, and Ty Cecil Schenker.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 17, 2017
12:00 NOON
TEMPLE BETH-EL
WULFE SANCTUARY
211 BELKNAP PL
Rabbi Mara Nathan and Cantor Julie Berlin, officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, 625 Shook, San Antonio, Texas 78212, http://www.saplf.org/
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I miss my friend Cecil.....As always, Harold
HAROLD LEVINE
Friend
February 14, 2021
I am so sorry that my husband and I were out of town, and just returned to learn of Cecil's passing. I was deeply saddened by the news. Cecil influenced my life and touched my family deeply during my years at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld. Having come from the Dallas office, I worked directly with Cecil during the transition and for seven years after. He was a mentor and friend. He was kind and respectful to my father, who passed away this past October, and I will never forget his graciousness. His love for his family was obvious. I will never forget him. He made a difference.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Nancy Gaffney
Coworker
February 24, 2017
I was honored to have met Cecil. He made a huge impact while I was a young law clerk. He set a standard that many of us try to meet, both as a lawyer and especially as a person on a daily basis. God bless. Roger Perez
Roger Perez
Friend
February 22, 2017
Hello, sorry to of his passing. I've only learned of in the last two days. My mother, Lilly moved to San Antonio to go to busness school in the 50's. Cess's parents would let young students have room and board inexchange for child care. She remembers him bring quiet the prankster ! I have really enjoyed her stories, thank you .
Lilly Kanak (Pavlicek)
Family Friend
February 22, 2017
Dona, Alex & Max,
We are so sorry we missed his funeral, we were out of town.
We were so surprised to see his notice.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this sad time for you.
Martin & Jakey Weilbacher
Family Friend
February 20, 2017
I have been saddened by the passing of my friend Cecil....He was one of the first people I got to know when I move to San Antonio in 1969.....We became close friends, and he was very helpful in giving me advise in my business....He was a good man and I will miss him....My thoughts and prayers are with his family.....As always, your friend.....Harold
Harold Levine
Friend
February 18, 2017
My prayers for the family. Karina
February 17, 2017
Cecil was my friend and roommate at the University of Oklahoma. Cecil had an enormous impact on my life as he was a big reason why I went to law school. If he lived the rest of his life as he did when we roomed together, life did not short change him. Cecil was a magnificent, talented, brilliant light that shined ever so brightly. He will be forever young in my heart.
Buddy Herzog
Friend
February 17, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Schenker family. Lupe De Leon Martinez San Antonio,Tx
February 16, 2017
I was deeply saddened to learn yesterday that my close friend from years gone by had passed earlier this week. May I express my thoughts and condolences to his family at this time of grieving and adjustment.
Cecil was a dear friend for most of 60 years although our close friendship failed to weather more recent time as he and I went separate ways. It's regrettable that we were not able to enjoy each other's companionship into retirement with the shared pleasure of watching our children grow into decent adults, find spouses and enjoy the blessings of having children of their own.
I hope that among Cecil's many achievements he felt pride in the singular accomplishment of a successful marriage and the rearing of two fine boys who carry his legacy into the future. Our greatest successes are our children and their children who by their goodness in life, in their stories they tell and the memories they pass to future generations make us all somewhat immortal.
Good men are indeed rare. Cecil was one of the very good men. He will be sorely missed. I wish we had remained friends.
February 16, 2017
Saddened to learn of Cecil's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him from the time I first started practicing law in 1969.A great lawyer and a good person, he will be missed. My sympathies to family and friends, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne Fagan
Friend
February 16, 2017
Cecil was a great mentor and friend. I really and truly loved and admired him. He was a force, in a very good way. He inspired me with confidence knowing that he stood at the head of our law firm in San Antonio. I don't think I'd be the lawyer I've become without the confidence that Cecil had in me. I'm so sorry that we won't have this force around to visit; but, he's in my heart forever. All my love to the Schenker family with an extra big hug for Dona. Bobby O'Conor, Houston, TX.
Robert O'Conor
Family
February 16, 2017
Cecil
You were my mentor and my friend.
Your energy and creativity were unmatched.
I miss you, Pal!
Larry Macon
February 16, 2017
Dear Dona, Alex and Max: I am very sorry for your loss, please receive my deepest condolences.
Laura Stout
Friend
February 16, 2017
Dearest Cecil, I cannot come to wish you a proper farewell. I have pressing family commitments that keep me from personally honoring your life. You were an important figure in my life. You were a great boss and nurturing, yet demanding leader. You gave me the opportunity to work with you and the Akin, Gump team of professionals. I truly loved my work with you all. My work with Akin, Gump was my most rewarding in my professional career. Thank you for your patience and guidance. I learned and grew so much as a member of your team. My life is better because of you and my work with your team. I wish you a peaceful transition into the afterlife. I wish your family the strength to bear your loss. We, your friends who respected you and loved you, will miss you, greatly. Warmest wishes of peace and strength to your family, Karen Cardenas Alexander
Karen Cardenas Alexander
Coworker
February 15, 2017
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