Sergeant Major Martin Joseph Schott III, USAR Retired, was born in San Antonio on October 25, 1938, to Martin Joseph Schott, Jr. and Maxine Dietzmann Schott, both deceased. He passed peacefully at home from complications of Alzheimer's, on Thursday, September 28, 2023, surrounded by family.

Martin is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Nancy Deason Schott, son Stephen C. Schott (Laura); daughters Kristen S. Mund, Ellen S. Rodgers (K. Jason) and Lauren K. Schott; grandsons Samuel Rey Schott-Geiger, Neil Anthony Mund; granddaughters Jordan Michele, Hayley Nicole, and Alison Faith Rodgers; step grandchildren Shelby and Brooke Sassin; brothers Charles O. Schott and Gerald B. Schott (Linda); sisters-in-law Adriana Virjan Schott and Elaine Deason Lynn; many nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren, as well as several "adopted" children and grand-pets. Martin was preceded in death by his parents, brother James E. Schott, sister Sharon E. Hatzenbuehler (Mark), and sister-in-law, Lucille Stigent Schott.

Martin (Marty, Butch, Opa) attended St. Cecilia's Elementary School, Central Catholic High School (CCHS) and St. Mary's University. While a senior at CCHS, he met Nancy who was a freshman at Providence High School and they married five years later in 1961. As a student at CCHS, Martin was a member of the ROTC which began his interest in the military. In 1959, Martin enlisted in the Texas National Guard, where he served in the Signal Corp. from Aug. 1958 to May 1968 when, he transferred to the US Army Reserve. There he served in the 321st Civil Affairs Group, under the 90th ARCOM out of Ft. Sam Houston. He retired in 1994 as a Sergeant Major after making some lifelong friends and a continued love for the military. During his younger school years, Martin worked at Handy Andy stores and then went on to work as a computer programmer at Groos National Bank until they closed their doors. From there he worked for a short time with Sweeney & Co., then moved on to work as a computer programmer at USAA, until retirement in 2000.

Martin was a devoted husband, dad and grandfather. With his strong Catholic faith, he served in ministries at St. Paul's Catholic Church and more recently at St. Luke Catholic Church, where his main focus was on the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) ministry. He was also participated in the ACTS retreats and Men of Service.  Martin loved working in the yard. His sculptured lawns were his pride and joy, doing much of it by hand. He was an avid Harry Potter fan, setting aside his Friday evenings to watch a Harry Potter film. This eventually became a family event.  Martin was also recognized by the 1972 robin-egg blue Volkswagen Bug he drove for over forty years, rejecting the idea of replacing it for a newer model with air conditioning. He often was teased that his motto should be God, Country, VW Bug, Family.

MEMORIAL SERVICES

Services will be held at

St. Luke Catholic Church

4603 Manitou Dr., San Antonio, TX 78228

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am

followed by the Celebration of Life Mass at 10:00 am

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Burial with military honors

10:15 am

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery

1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.

Memorials may be made to one of the following ministries:

1) St. Luke Catholic Church 4603 Manitou Dr., San Antonio, TX 78228, designated for either a) St. Vincent de Paul Society which helps those in need or for b) Habitat for Humanity which helps families in need earn an affordable home.

Or

2) Archdiocese for Military Services PO Box 4469 Washington, DC 20017-0469, which supports the spiritual care and support of military members and their families.

Special thanks go to our amazing Holy Savior Hospice team and for all who have supported Martin and the family by prayers, cards and texts.