William E. Schroeter

William E. (Bill) Schroeter was born in Beaumont, Texas to Andrew G. Schroeter and Annie Mae Schroeter. He married Roberta Wenner at the age of 18 and they remained happily married for 39 years until her death in January 1993. They were parents of four children: Cindy Schroeter Boyd, William Schroeter, Jr., Guy Schroeter, and Candy Schroeter Haynes.

He has fourteen grandchildren: Chris Wahl, Toby Wahl, Mindy Richard, Cody Haynes, Cory Haynes, Michelle Tyrrell, Misty Tyrrell, Amanda Tyrrell, Courtney Boyd, Devin Boyd, Mark Boyd, Jr., Jake Schroeter, Shelby Schroeter, and Erin Schroeter. He also has three great grandchildren: Megan, Kirsten and Mason.

After being widowed, Bill married Nita Combs in 1995 and enjoys her four children: Janet Raines, Andrea Aran, David Saleme and James Saleme and seven grandchildren: Melanie Raines, Wade and Drue Aran, Camilla, Carmen, Jarrett and Julia Saleme.

Bill became an active member of First Baptist in Nederland in 1956.

He went to work for Texaco research in 1956, and then went into sales for Texaco in 1967. In 1977 he became a Licensed Real Estate Broker and Certified Real Estate Appraiser. He was an Associate Broker for Southern Homes Real Estate Agency in Port Neches. He was until recently also an associate of the Davis- Schroeter Funeral Home.

Bill`s drive and business knowledge earned him the Distinguished Service Award from the City of Nederland in 1966, recognition in Who`s Who of the Southwest, and from the United States Jaycees in 1970. He received the Realtor of the Year Award from the Nederland and Port Neches Board of Realtors in 1974.

An active participant in the community throughout his life, Companion Schroeter served as National Director of the United States Jaycees in 1969. He has also serves as President of the Texas J. C. I. Senate, Rotary Club, Council of Camp Fire Girls, and the Southeast Texas Real Estate Teachers Association. In the Golden Triangle area he has served on the Board of Directors of the Red Cross, Lions Club, Optimist Club, Boy Scouts, and Connie Mack Baseball League.

He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Delta Sigma Pi, Lamar Ex-Students Association, American Association of University Professors, and American Association of Certified Appraisers.

Masonic History

Bill was raised a Master Mason in Nederland Lodge No. 1368 in July 1958. He became a dual member of Cosmopolitan Lodge No. 872 in 1981 and served Cosmopolitan Lodge as Master in 1985.

He has served on several Grand Lodge Committees; Special Assignments – 1986, Returns of Lodges 1990, Time and Mileage 1993, and Chairman, Youth Activities Committee in 1994. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District No. 26A in 1991.

Companion Schroeter was Exalted a Royal Arch Mason in Port Arthur Chapter No. 250 on May 9, 1959. He became a dual member of Port Neches Chapter No. 436 in 1983 and served Port Neches Chapter as High Priest in 1984-85. He received the Order of High Priesthood in December 1984. He served this Grand Chapter as District Deputy of Capitular District No. 4 in 1990 and was elected Excellent Grand Scribe in 1991. Elected and installed Most Excellent Grand High Priest on December 6, 1994.

He was Greeted a Royal and Select Master May 19, 1959 in Port Arthur Council No. 185. He served as Thrice Illustrious Master in 1985-86 and received the Order of the Silver Trowel in December of 1985. He served as the District Deputy Grand Master of Crypitc District No. 4 in 1991. He was elected R:I: Deputy Grand Master of Most Illustrious Grand Council of Texas in 2003-2005.

He was Knighted in Port Arthur Commandery No. 73 on May 1, 1972 and served as Commander in 1987. He received the Knight of York Cross of Honor in 1988.

Companion Knight Schroeter was elected to Texas York Rite College No. 14 in 1984 and is a Charter Member of South East Texas York Rite College No. 90, which was chartered in 1987. He serves the South East Texas York Rite College as Deputy Governor in 1994-95. He received the Order of the Purple Cross in 1993.

He is a member of the Cashan Grotto in Beaumont and served Cashan Grotto in Port Arthur as Monarch in 1983.

He is a member of Nederland Chapter No. 1079 and Lakeside Chapter No. 1054, Order of the Eastern Star. He served as Worthy Patron of Lakeside Chapter in 1993-94.

He is a Charter member of Dick Dowling Council of Knight Masons and served as Senior Knight in 1994.

He is a member of El Mina Shrine in Galveston and a Past President of El Mina Nem Lool Clowns.

Companion Schroeter joined Galveston Scottish Rite Bodies in October of 1981. He is a member of several degree teams and is the Assistant Reunion Director. In November of 1989 he received the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. In1994 he served as Senior Warden, San Felipe Lodge of Perfection.

He received the Red Cross of Constantine in 1989 and is a member of San Felipe Conclave in Galveston. He serves as Pre Eminent Sovereign for 2005.