Steven Charles Schroeder, Sr. left this earth unexpectedly to join Jesus in Heaven on March 14, 2022. Steve was born Dec. 8, 1944, in Lincoln, Neb., to Dot and Wally Schroeder, where Wally was stationed during World War II. Sadly, Wally was killed in the war when Steve was four months old, and never met his baby boy.

Dot and Steve moved to Alpine, Texas, to be near Dot’s family where they lived until the family moved to Fort Stockton, Texas, when Steve was in the eighth grade. He attended Fort Stockton High School, graduating in the class of 1963. He was a four-year letterman and captain of the football team, on the basketball team, and ran track. He excelled in all sports. Steve was All-District and Third Team All State in football, and in 1962 he was on the 440-yard relay team that won State by setting a new state record of 42.4 seconds.
After high school Steve attended Southern Methodist University on a football scholarship, graduating in 1967. He was a proud member of the fraternity Phi Delta Theta. Here he earned the nickname “Thunder” because he walked like a bull. His neighbors downstairs said when he crossed the room it sounded like thunder.
After graduation Steve began a lifelong career in the field of real estate finance. Over a span of 50 years, Steve put together countless real estate transactions across the U.S.
Steve enjoyed all sports, especially hunting and fishing. He was a lifetime member of the Dallas Safari Club. He made several African safari trips that were his travel dreams come true. Other hobbies included knife making, shooting his bow, crossword puzzles, reading, and listening to country western music. 
He was preceded in death by parents Dot Schroeder Stovell and Walter Schroeder, and stepfather Tom Stovell.  He is survived by children Steve Schroeder II (Donna) of Pagosa Springs, Cool., Scott Schroeder of Austin, Texas, Kristin Yeary (Jay) of Aspen, Colo., and Melanie Dunlop (Dallas) of Las Vegas, Nev.; sister Cynthia Choate (Gary) of Southlake, Texas; grandchildren Grace, James, Hannah, Nicholas, and Rhys; best and dear friend Jill Jackson; and countless friends and loved ones. 
Steve was the epitome of a proud Texan. We will terribly miss the “Life of the Party.” Godspeed, SS!
A private memorial will be held with family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Steve’s memory to SMU or Dallas Safari Club.