Donald Joseph Schaezler

Donald “Don” Joseph Schaezler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024 at 80 years old, surrounded by loved ones. He brought warmth and brightness to the lives of those he touched, and his loss is deeply felt.

Born on February 11, 1944 in San Antonio, Texas to Harold and Marguerite Schaezler, Don led a life filled with love, kindness, and steadfast dedication to his family, friends, and community. Renowned for his kindness, generosity, knowledge, intelligence, integrity, and caring nature, he left an everlasting impression on the lives of many.

Don had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and pursued his education with passion, first graduating valedictorian from Alamo Heights High School in 1962, in a class that some claim as one of the smartest, then earning from Rice University a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in 1966, a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1967, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science and Engineering in 1971. He was a professional engineer in both Texas and New York, a certified industrial hygienist, and taught at Rice University, the University of Houston, and Texas A&M University. He utilized his skills and expertise to strive for excellence and share his wisdom, leaving an indelible mark on his industry and those with whom he worked.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Don cherished spending time with family and friends. He served many roles in people’s lives, coach, teammate, professor, teacher, and mentor. In college he played varsity baseball and lightweight football and studied hard, often late into the night, taking breaks every hour to do chin-ups. He coached baseball or soccer for each of his four sons. Favorite family events included camping throughout Texas with Big Bend being his favorite, hiking including on the old farm that eventually became Warbler Woods, canoeing Armand Bayou and elsewhere, and collecting fossils and Native American points. Often during camping trips or hikes, He would stop and share insight into the surroundings, whether it was a geological formation, unique plant species or history of the area. He enjoyed identifying and teaching others to identify plants, animals, rocks, and animal tracks. As an ordained minister, he presided over the marriage of his son Robert and his spouse Jennifer. As a grandfather, he taught kindness, shared his love of nature and the outdoors, inspired learning, read fun books, and played, including with the model train set from when he was a kid. He was a member of the Lion’s Club and enjoyed playing bridge with friends. He started a men’s bible study, often held in his backyard, that was very important to him. He was a pillar of strength, offering guidance, support, spirituality, and love to all who sought it. His friendly presence brought joy and warmth to every gathering, and his laughter will echo in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

As an avid lover of nature with a passion for birding, Don co-founded, with Susan, Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary in Cibolo, Texas where he shared his love of nature with many. Warbler Woods has grown to be a renowned birding location with close to 300 bird species sighted and over 13 thousand checklists. He and Susan were awarded the Texas Land Steward award in 2011 for their work at Warbler Woods. He worked hard creating what Warbler Woods is today, and overcame obstacles, including a wild boar attack at the age of 74. He approached each day with optimism and grace, inspiring others to do the same.

Don's legacy of love, compassion, and integrity will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues. He leaves behind his loving spouse of 57 years, Susan Schaezler, four sons and their spouses, David and Esther Schaezler, Michael and Vivian Schaezler, Robert and Jennifer Schaezler, Ryan and Brittany Schaezler, seven grandchildren, Ethan Schaezler, Brendan Schaezler, Allan Schaezler, Austin Schaezler, Michaela Schaezler, Adam Cantrelle, Averi Quintanilla, his sister, Margie Bonnes, and his nephews, Scott Carlin, and Gary Carlin, who will all continue to honor his memory through the values he instilled in them. His beloved dogs, Ninja and Kali, miss him greatly.

Though his physical presence may no longer grace this earth, Don's spirit will forever remain a guiding light, shining brightly in the memories of all who were blessed to know him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 30 at Schertz Funeral Home & Crematory (2217 FM3009, Schertz, TX 78154), where friends and family will gather to celebrate Don's remarkable life and legacy. Visitation begins at 2pm, and the service starts at 3pm.

Forever remembered, forever cherished, Don will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his boundless love and kindness.

Rest in peace, dear Don. You are deeply missed. Your spirit will continue to inspire us all.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary, a 501(c)(3) organization, in honor of Don's memory and his love of nature (www.warblerwoods.org/donatesupport.html).