Hylmar Lee Schneider, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, outdoorsman, coach, friend, and lifelong example of strength and generosity, passed away on June 7, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with illness. He was born on May 21, 1949, in New Braunfels, Texas, to Erwin and Thelma Schneider. He was named after the doctor who delivered him in the family home, Dr. Hylmar Karbach. Hylmar lived a life marked by loyalty, hard work, selfless service, devotion to family, faith, and love, often the kind of tough love that made those around him stronger.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Calvin Schneider, Ray Dean Schneider and Allen Schneider.

Hylmar is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Sue Hill; daughter, Kim Goodwin & husband, Scott; sons, Chad Schneider & wife, Melanie and Todd Schneider; grandchildren, Kyle Schneider, Meghann Schneider, Sarah Schneider, Grayson Schneider, Addie Goodwin, Kasey Goodwin and Tyler Goodwin, numerous nieces and nephews, additional relatives and dear friends.

He met the love of his life, Pamela Sue Hill, when they were both in the 5th grade. What began as a childhood friendship grew into a lifetime partnership. On June 14, 1969, shortly after graduating from New Braunfels High School, Hylmar and Pam were married. Together, they built a marriage that would span just one week shy of 57 years, rooted in commitment, resilience, laughter, and unwavering devotion.

Soon after their marriage, Hylmar answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. While he was still in basic training, Hylmar and Pam welcomed their first son, Chad Lee Schneider, into the world. Following basic training, Hylmar was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he trained as a tank driver, a role that suited his grit, confidence, and natural ability to understand and handle machinery. His service also took the young family to the Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn, New York, where Hylmar served in the Military Police. In 1971, they welcomed their second son, Todd Wade Schneider. Hylmar was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1972 and later continued his military service through the Texas National Guard from 1977 to 1987, once again driving tanks. His service remained a source of pride throughout his life.

Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, Hylmar and Pam returned to New Braunfels to raise their family. Young, ambitious, and never afraid of hard work, Hylmar took on each opportunity with determination as he found his way. He worked for Dean Word Company, "moving dirt and building roads," then managed the Seguin location of Ol' Bossy, owned by Pam's family. He briefly sold life insurance through Lutheran Mutual Life but quickly learned that sitting behind a desk was not for him. He later became a partner in Gregg Schneider Construction before setting out on his own with Schneider Construction.

In 1978, Hylmar and Pam welcomed their daughter, Kimberly Jo Schneider, completing the family that would become the center of his world. Soon after, Hylmar closed the doors on Schneider Construction and accepted a sales position with Reliable Battery Company, where he found a natural fit. That opportunity launched a long career in the automotive parts industry, where his knowledge, work ethic, and ability to connect with people made him consistently one of the top salesmen for the companies he served, including Nationwide Battery Company, Interstate Battery Company, General Parts International, Advance Auto Parts, and Carquest.

Hylmar knew automobiles from bumper to bumper and had the skill and confidence to prove it. At one point, he took apart a 1974 Chevrolet Blazer and rebuilt it himself. That black Blazer became a beloved part of the Schneider family, complete with an 8-track player and a roll bar. A dear friend even built a swing from that roll bar so his daughter Kim could cruise through town with her dad, a memory that perfectly captures Hylmar's creativity, joy, and the special way he made ordinary moments unforgettable.

Hylmar was deeply involved in his children's lives, especially through sports and community. In his younger years, he played baseball, and later he poured that same love of the game into coaching his sons. He served as president of New Braunfels National Little League, giving his time and leadership to the community and to generations of young athletes. He was also an Opa with the Wurstfest Association and loved being part of the New Braunfels community. Whether it was Friday night football at Unicorn Stadium, volleyball courts, softball and baseball fields, or any event involving his children, Hylmar and Pam were there, cheering from the stands with pride.

The Schneider home was often full of friends, family, music, and good food. Hylmar and Pam spent many weekends entertaining in their home and backyard, with something seemingly always smoking on the barbecue pit and records playing in the background. Elvis, the Beach Boys, Charley Pride, and George Strait were frequent favorites. Their home was a place where people gathered, laughed, ate well, and felt welcome. Hylmar had a way of making people feel at ease, and he believed in treating others right. Anyone who knew him understood one of the principles he lived by: when you treat people well, good things come back to you many times over.

Hylmar also loved his dachshunds, and through the years, one could almost always be found near his recliner, never far from his side.

Around 2000, Hylmar bought land in Rocksprings, a place that became one of his greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. For 25 years, he hunted on his own property and created a place where his family could gather, relax, hunt, and make memories. He built a house there for the family to enjoy, and countless days were spent driving mules up and down the dirt roads, teaching the grandkids to shoot guns, sharing stories, and living the kind of life he loved. The pride on his face in those moments showed how much he treasured teaching his children and grandchildren to work hard, enjoy life, and spend time with the people they loved doing the things they loved.

The Texas Gulf Coast was another special place for Hylmar and his family. Over the years, they took many trips to the coast, creating memories filled with fishing, family, salt air, and laughter. Hylmar had loved fishing since he was young, from fishing the Comal River to bay fishing every chance he got. Even later in life, when his health became more fragile, fishing continued to bring him peace and joy.

After contracting COVID in early 2020, Hylmar's health was never quite the same. For more than five years, he battled illness after illness with remarkable strength. In the final eight months of his life, he fought especially hard through many challenges. He had a powerful will to live because, in his heart, he was not done yet. He still wanted more time with Pam, more trips, more fishing, more memories with his children, and more milestones with his grandchildren. He hoped to see them graduate from high school and college, get married, and one day have children of their own.

Even during his illness, Hylmar's spirit remained unmistakable. He had a way of charming the doctors and nurses who cared for him, just as he charmed so many people throughout his life. They fought hard for him, and he fought hard alongside them. He was a fighter until the very end, when his heart could no longer carry the burden and he was finally ready to be free from pain.

Hylmar was a man who loved deeply and lived fully. He was happiest with family nearby, a dachshund at his side, something on the pit and in the ice chest, music playing, a rifle or fishing pole in hand, or simply the land beneath his boots in Rocksprings. He taught by example: to serve with honor, work with pride, love your family fiercely, welcome people generously, and enjoy the life God gives you.

Though his family would have given anything for more time, they take comfort in imagining that God had something special waiting for him, perhaps the prettiest axis deer picked out just for Hylmar, and a host of angels in need of the famous deer sausage that was always such a hit at the Schneider house.

Hylmar Lee Schneider leaves behind a legacy of love, service, laughter, stories, family traditions, and countless memories that will live on in all who knew him. He was the best husband, dad, "Poppie"/"Pops," and friend; and he will be loved, missed, and remembered always.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels, Texas.  A Funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026 also at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home followed by a procession to Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park with full military honors.  A Reception will be held following the Graveside Service at Freiheit Country Store, 2157 FM 1101.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to The Wounded Warrior Project, Comal County Veterans or New Braunfels Little League honoring Hylmar Lee Schneider.

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com