Tom E. Schneider

Tom was born in Midland to Tom and Patricia Schneider. At the age of 13 the family moved to the ranch near Eagle Pass, Texas. It is here that Thomas developed a love of ranching. Thomas graduated from Eagle Pass High School in 1976. He continued his education at Texas A & M University where earned a Bachelor of Science Degree. He later earned his Master’s Degree in International Business from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix.

After graduation from college he and his brother formed Double S Partnership. They ran a successful cattle ranching operation in the Big Bend Area for many years.

Tom was a linguist. He was fluent in English, Spanish, and Russian. He used his mastery of the Spanish language to develop an Import/Export business based in Midland. While on a buying trip to Mexico he met the love of his life, Ana. They were married on November 8, 1997 in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico.

They began their married life in Midland where Tom joined his father in the oil and gas industry. Together they ran Topat Oil Corporation. Although their primary focus was in the Permian Basin, they also looked into other markets as far reaching as Siberia. Tom was an entrepreneur who was always looking for other avenues in the Permian Basin.

Tom was an avid runner. He served as president of the Permian Basin Road Runners for several years, both planning and competing in marathons. He qualified for and competed in the Boston Marathon. He loved to travel and passed that passion onto his daughter. He was a proud and caring father. He always challenged his daughter to set her goals high. He could not have been more proud of the fine young woman that Kelsi had become.

Tom was a caring person who always had a kind word for everyone. He was always willing to help anyone in need.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Tom Schneider and his mother, Patricia C. Schneider. He is survived by his wife Ana and daughter Kelsi. His twin brother, Patrick Schneider and wife Jesse; brother, Brian Schneider; sister Maggie Snow and husband Billy and their daughter Danielle; sister, Molly Clark and husband Reb, and their three sons Seth, Duncan, and Cooper; and sister, Laura Riley and husband Rob. Tom is also survived by his mother-in-law, Maria Elenena Ponce de Leon; sister-in-law Leticia Ramirez and husband Martin Rangel; brothers-in-laws, Arturo Ramirez and wife Griselda, Marco Ramirez and wife Candelaria, Hector Ramirez and wife Rosario and Guillermo Ramirez and wife Fabiola; nephews, Edgar Rangel, Oscar Rangel, Guillermo Rangel, Adrian Ramirez, Guillermo Ramirez; nieces, Carolina Ramirez and Lucero Ramirez.

A rosary will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 7 p.m. at St. Stephens Catholic Church. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at St. Stephens Catholic Church at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Midland Christian School, 2001 Culver Midland, Texas 79705 or St. Stephens Catholic Church, 4601 Neely Avenue Midland, Texas 79707.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.