Frederick M. Schuette

Frederick Max Schuette passed away February 21, 2017, reuniting with Elizabeth Anne O’Hare Schuette who slipped away in August 2016, after over 70 years of marriage (80 year courtship).

Max was born April 28, 1924 in Joplin, Missouri to Frederick Herman Christian Schuette and Lola Marie Caywood Schuette. He and family (including sisters Dorothy Louise and June LeClair) lived in Missouri and Kansas before settling in Des Moines, Iowa. Max and Liz attended Warren G. Harding junior high and met in seventh grade. They socialized throughout high school, he at East and she at North High.

Max began a scholarship to The University of Chicago in 1942 and enlisted in the Army’s Aviation Cadet Program his freshman year. When called, he trained and became an officer/pilot of the B-24 Liberator (heavy bomber). Max flew 25 combat missions out of Manduria, Italy in 1944 and 1945 (bloodiest years). He retired as squadron leader. He always respected honored his flight crew. We were lucky to meet them especially after the stories of courage, loyalty and sacrifice.

Max married Liz on September 2, 1945. With Liz working and the GI Bill, Max graduated with honors from The University of Chicago in 1947. He served on the University of Chicago Law Review and earned his doctorate in jurisprudence in 1950.

Afterward they moved to Houston, Max received a Texas Bar License, and began a profession in commercial banking. During a 39-year career, he held executive positions at National Bank of Commerce, Southern National Bank (also CEO, Chairman), and President of the American General Investment Corporation.

In Houston, Max and Liz began a family. First twins arrived: David Max and Anne Elizabeth. Eleven years later, came along John Frederick. Memories of family road trips, get-togethers, hunting and fishing, high school football and marching band, art projects, and card games with family and friends made good memories and stories.

Max was a strong Christian. While in Houston, Max and Liz attended Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church and volunteered. Max held leadership and advisory positions. Max recently wrote: “I believe that through all seasons we are called, in faith, to reach beyond the seen, to seek the unseen, to love God, neighbors, and, in fellowship with Christ, to ‘do justice, show kindness and walk humbly with our God’: to make better the things that are.”
Max’s practiced this philosophy. He gave himself to civic service, especially once retired. Max was a Lifetime Director of The YMCA (Greater Houston Area) and received the 1994 David Allen Memorial Award for Outstanding Lifetime Service. He was Chair and now Chair Emeritus of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, where he helped develop the Master Plan for revitalizing Shepherd Dr. to the Port. The organization continues to beautify the bayou with trails, boat tours and native plants. The City of San Antonio has emulated this plan along their river walk past downtown though the mission locations. In 1990, he helped found CanCare as President and later became Lifetime Director of CanCare of Houston, a nonprofit for cancer survivors and families. Max indeed “made better things that are.”

Max was preceded in death by Elizabeth Anne O’Hare Schuette (one month short of 71st anniversary). He is survived by their children: David Max Schuette (wife Carolena May Houze Schuette), Anne Elizabeth Schuette, and John Frederick Schuette (wife Dawn Valerie Shisler Schuette); six grandchildren: Elizabeth Nanette Harwell, Catherine Madeleine Herring Shoup (husband Bradley Michael Shoup), Carolena Caywood Schuette McClelland (husband Albert Kirk “Sonny” McClelland), David Max Schuette, Jr., Allison Marie Schuette, and Jonathan Matthew Schuette; and great-grandchild: Henry Jubilation Herring Shoup.

The memorial service is 11:00 AM Monday May 22nd in the Chapel at Franklin Park Sonterra, 18323 Sonterra Place, San Antonio, TX 78258. A full military graveside ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will follow at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to CanCare of Houston, the YMCA of Greater Houston, or the Buffalo Bayou Partnership.