Joseph Kerin Schneider

Joseph “Joe” Kerin Schneider passed away on Monday, June 22, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply at his home in Bedford, Texas.

Joe was born on Friday the 13th — August 13, 1943 — in Buffalo, New York, to Joseph T. and Hazel (Bergquist) Schneider. He was their only child and spent his childhood in Jamestown, New York until graduating from Southwestern Senior High School in 1962. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served from 1962 until his honorable discharge in 1970 as a communications technician, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. His military service helped shape a lifelong love of country and a deep respect for those who served.

Joe was endlessly curious about how things worked. He loved taking things apart in his younger years, studying their inner workings, and somehow putting them back together again. That curiosity followed him throughout his life and career. After his military service, he worked as a communications technician for RCA and later for American Airlines, where he met the love of his life, Cathy (Sturies) Schneider.

In 1999, Joe retired from American Airlines after 22 years and embraced one of the roles he was most proud of—becoming a full-time “Mr. Mom” and raising his daughter, Elizabeth, at home.

Anyone who knew Joe knew there was usually a camera in his hand. Photography was more than a hobby; it was his way of preserving memories and telling stories. He was often the person behind the lens rather than in front of it, quietly capturing moments that others would treasure for years to come. Whether it was at church, Girl Scout events, band performances, sporting events, family gatherings, or community celebrations, Joe rarely missed an opportunity to document the people and moments around him. If there was something worth remembering, chances were Joe was there with a camera, making sure it would not be forgotten.

Photography became Joe’s gift to the veteran community. In his retirement years, he devoted countless hours volunteering with Welcome Home A Hero, Honor Flights, Daughters of World War II, and Roll Call. Whether photographing military homecomings, veteran luncheons, Honor Flight journeys to Washington, D.C., or escorting World War II veterans to sacred places such as Normandy and Iwo Jima, Joe used his camera to preserve moments that mattered. He believed veterans and military families deserved to be recognized, celebrated, and remembered, and he quietly made sure their stories would live on through his photographs. The veteran community became an extension of his family, and he was deeply loved and respected by those fortunate enough to serve alongside him.

Joe was also known for his collection of antique radios. His garage workshop was his happy place, and anyone who visited his home likely remembers the hundreds of radios displayed throughout the house—each carefully restored or waiting for its turn on the workbench. He was an avid collector who found joy in preserving pieces of history, building collections of stamps, coins, and model trains over the years. He also loved classic cars and old country music.

Joe and Cathy shared many adventures together, especially their Alaskan cruises and many trips to Hawaii with his family where he loved walking along the beach. He cherished simple pleasures just as much as grand adventures: morning coffee, breakfast with family and friends, conversations around the table, and time spent with the people he loved.

He also had a special love for animals, especially his beloved cats and schnauzers who were such an important part of the family over the years. They were never just pets to Joe—they were family, and he cared for them with the same devotion and affection he showed to the people he loved.

Joe never lost his goofy sense of humor and had a knack for making people laugh with his quirky jokes and observations. His warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in others left an impression on everyone he met.

Though he lived in many places during his younger years, Texas was home for the past 44 years. It was there that he built a life centered on family, friendship, service, and community.

Joe’s greatest pride was not found in his accomplishments, but in the people he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, friend, veteran, volunteer, and storyteller. His absence leaves an immeasurable void, but the memories he captured—and the countless lives he touched—will endure for generations.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy Schneider; daughter, Elizabeth Schneider; son, Brett Schneider; daughter, Kamala Schneider-Lord; grandchildren, Jayden and Aubrianna Hamilton; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph T. and Hazel Schneider.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation in honor of Joe’s life on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lucas Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Road, Hurst, Texas 76053.

Following the visitation, Joe will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery in Ogden, Iowa, in a private family burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to organizations supporting veterans and military families, causes that were especially meaningful to Joe.