Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'
Obituary
Darryl Allan Schroeder died suddenly on July 29, 2026, aboard a flight to Paris. He was 80, headed to Johannesburg for a two-week bow hunting safari. He never made that hunt, but it was a testament to the way he lived his life – he never stopped living. He never slowed down – he loved life.
He was born on April 3, 1946, in Houston, Texas, where he spent his entire life.
Darryl graduated from Lamar High School in 1963 and from the University of Houston in 1969, working full-time throughout. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Phi Omega as well as served in the Cougar Guard, and also attended UH Law School. Darryl later served as President of the UH Cougar Foundation and on the UH Alumni Board. The University of Houston was special to him. He was a “Coog for Life.” In 2016, following a lead gift from Darryl and Lori toward the baseball clubhouse and player development center, the University renamed Cougar Field as Darryl & Lori Schroeder Park. Darryl met his wife, Lori, in 1997 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and they married on November 6, 2008, in Houston.
His long and prosperous career was in commercial real estate development, oil and gas fabrication, construction, and steel. His most recent pursuit was developing the Bayou City Gun Club on his ranch near Brazoria.
He hunted, fished offshore, and played golf. He loved fast cars, boating, racing boats, waterskiing, and recently learned to wake surf.
Additionally, he was a longtime pilot, instrument and multi-engine rated. No one landed a plane better than he did.
His lifelong love of playing softball never stopped, and his teams won the Senior World Series several times. He played softball the day before his last flight. Some of his favorite things were playing games like farkle, craps, and blackjack. He loved traditions and holidays, especially preparing meals for his family and friends on Thanksgiving and Christmas. His famous chili deserves a mention.
He joined the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1992 where he served on numerous committees and became a Director in 2002. He chaired the Lamb & Goat Auction Committee in 2005-2007, served as Vice President in 2009-2011, and was thereafter a Lifetime Vice President.
He was a proud Tejas Vaquero, Maverick Class of 2007-in the Arriba Camp.
Darryl served on the boards of the Houston Police Foundation, the Rams Club, and the KCEF Foundation, and was past President and Treasurer of Harris County Senior Softball. At Royal Oaks Country Club he was President of the Men’s Golf Association and a member of the Board of Directors. He supported Ducks Unlimited, Citizens for Animal Protection, Children’s Charity, Men of Distinction, Helping Heroes, Victory Houston, Waking the Passion, the Westview School, Ryan’s World, and many other organizations. For Noah’s House, he donated the land and built a fifty-room residence for older adults with intellectual disabilities, along with a 24-passenger bus.
He is survived by his wife, Lori Schroeder; their children, Scott Schroeder, Jill Schroeder, Christian Schroeder, Carrie Knight, Kristin Massey and spouse Jeff Goldberg, and John Blackmon; and six grandchildren, Haley, Niccolas, Dylan, Jules, Dakota, and Landon; along with countless cousins with whom he was very close. Darryl was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Opal Schroeder, and his two sisters, Joyce Birkeland and Gloria Williams.
Services are Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 1pm at Bayou City Event Center with a Reception to immediately follow.
The family will hold a private burial at Glenwood on Thursday.
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Darryl was a man of character, integrity, and unforgettable values. His presence and the kindness he showed will never be forgotten, both in the United States and Saudi Arabia.
He was incredibly generous, a true best friend to people of all ages, and someone who treated everyone with warmth, dignity, and respect. Darryl was compassionate, always willing to help, and had a heart that was open to everyone.
On a personal level, I will forever be grateful for the kindness and generosity Darryl showed toward me and my family. He believed in me and went far beyond what anyone could have expected by sponsoring me through his company, giving me the opportunity to stand beside my family and build our lives together in the United States. That act of generosity changed our lives and is something I will carry in my heart with eternal gratitude. It was not simply an act of support—it was a reflection of the kind of man Darryl was: someone who opened doors for others, believed in people, and helped without expecting anything in return.
He was a man whose actions spoke louder than words—a man who made a lasting difference in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His friendship, generosity, and kindness will remain cherished memories in our hearts.
We have lost a truly remarkable man, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the many beautiful memories he left behind. For my family, his legacy will always include the opportunity and hope he gave us, and we will never forget it.
May God bless Darryl Schroeder with eternal peace and grant his family and loved ones strength, comfort, and patience during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved, respected, and appreciated by so many people whose lives he touched.
Our deepest condolences to the entire Schroeder family.
With deepest sympathy and eternal gratitude,
Al-Ghanem Family
I pray for your Soul & Spirit.
"O God of spirits and all flesh, You have trampled down death, overthrown the devil, and given life to Your world; give rest to the soul of Your servant, Darryl in a place of brightness, refreshment, and peace, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression committed in word, deed, or thought. For You are the good God who loves mankind, has great Mercy and unto You we send up glory, for Darryl's Soul, together with Your Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen"
Your story is one Hemingway could have written! Headed to a Safari Bow hunt at 80! WOW!! Your unwavering love for our Cougars and your amazing generosity in so many ways, will always be remembered..RIP Daryl ….you lived the life of a real “DUDE”!
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Hold tight to your memories for comfort, lean on your friends and God for strength.
May you find comfort in the love of family, the support of friends, and the many cherished memories you shared with Darryl. His life touched those around him, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him.
It has been a privilege to know Darryl and the entire Schroeder family through our many years together at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. His unwavering support and unmatched devotion to the University of Houston and the Cougars were an inspiration to so many.
We will always cherish the memories of celebrating life to the fullest with Darryl and his children. There was never a dull moment with the Schroeder family…their laughter, generosity, and love for people is contagious.
Darryl’s commitment to giving back, strengthening our community, and helping build a better future leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all of us. He lived a life of purpose, generosity, and joy.
Our hearts and prayers are with the Schroeder family. May you find comfort in the countless lives Darryl touched and in the incredible legacy he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten.
Sending lots of love and condolences to his wife and all his children.
With much love,
Parker’s Hardware
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Service Details
We will come together to remember and pay tribute to Darryl. While we mourn the loss of our dear loved one, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
A reception will immediately follow the service, and all are warmly invited to stay, share memories, and celebrate Darryl's life together.
9401 Knight Rd.
1:00PM
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