Dennis Schneider

Dennis Schneider 1958 - 2022. Dennis Ray Schneider lived life to its fullest and was a large presence in every room he entered. From his booming voice to his engaging smile, every one knew when Dennis was "at the party"! Dennis was born in Taipei, Taiwan to Leo and Marian Schneider and had six brothers and sisters; Darold, Darlene, Doreen, Donald, Duane and Deleen. They soon moved to his beloved Texas where he graduated from the University of Texas Austin with a B.S. (with honors) in Mechanical Engineering in 1980. Upon graduation, he immediately accepted a job with Shell Oil where he worked for 34 years before retiring in 2015. Dennis had a passion for his field of expertise which was an inspiration to those who knew him and worked with him. From his early days in California working as a Field Facilities Engineer to his time in New Orleans where he became a Project Manager and then Engineering Manager for deepwater subsea projects and systems, Dennis was always learning and exploring topics he found truly interesting and intriguing. This is what made him so good at his job and a success in his career. His last position with Shell was not a surprise to any one who knew him. Forever the consummate teacher, he was once again promoted, this time to the role of Head of Shell Project Academy. It was the perfect fit and allowed him to not only share his vast knowledge and experience but to coordinate the learning of all Shell employees. Dennis blended his family with "his bride" Cathy in 2001 and together they raised three wonderful children. They met two years prior at Ruby's Roadhouse in Mandeville, Louisiana while listening to live music. He loved live music and religiously attended The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival where he gathered each year with his family and friends to enjoy the music and celebrate his Cinco de Mayo wedding anniversary. He continued this tradition even after moving to the Houston area post-Katrina and then retiring to Austin and added the Austin City Limits music fest to the agenda. He would support bands and listen to live music whenever possible, and that was often! He was a loyal UT Austin Longhorn fan and attended too many sporting events to count. One of his very special and favorite things was going to the college World Series in Omaha each year with his sons. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed the friendships that he made as much as the sport. He was a talented woodworker, building many cabinetry projects in his Austin home. He enjoyed travel which is why he decided to retired early. He and Cathy travelled to the Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand and many other wonderful places. He was never bored and surrounded himself with amazing friends that he met in high school, college, work and beyond. His long lasting relationships are a testament to who Dennis was as a person. He loved a good margarita, on the rocks not frozen, and meals with family and friends. He would tell you without hesitation that his greatest achievement was his three children; Zachary, Travis and Jessica. He was involved in every aspect of their childhoods and was so proud of the adults they have become. He not only loved them as a parent does a child but he really, really liked them as friends and human beings and was thrilled when two more daughters were added to the family, Andree' and Katey. He was also so blessed to have two beautiful grandchildren, Philip Ray and Rose Marie Schneider. No one could make him smile longer and bigger than these two! Dennis passed away on November 4th at home with his wife and daughter at his side. A small gathering of family and close friends will be held in remembrance of a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and a life too short but well lived. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to https://www.blackfret.org/donate/ or to the Student Emergency Fund at https://give.utexas.edu/.