Scotty Lee Schneider, 72, of Hays, KS passed away on May 3, 2026, at Hays Medical Center leaving behind a life defined by hard work, unwavering devotion, and a deep love for his family.
Born to Albert and Olinda Schneider, January 28, 1954 in WaKeeney, KS, Scotty was raised with the kind of values he would carry for the rest of his life—honesty, integrity, and the belief that a smile could win more than words ever could. Scotty attended school in WaKeeney and later graduated from Colby Community College, where he was both a Presidential Scholar and a track athlete, competing in hurdles.
On February 15, 1975, he married his high school sweetheart, Anna Lucille Hilgers, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and shared commitment. Together, they raised three children, and if there was one thing Scotty made certain of, it was that his kids knew they were loved, not through words alone, but through presence. He never missed an event, always showing up steady, proud, and supportive.
Scotty spent 30 years farming and raising cattle on the family land, a life he was deeply proud of. He lived by a simple motto: the animals always eat before you do. He had an eye for cattle that few could match, able to walk into any sale barn and know exactly which cow was worth bringing home. He passed that love on to his grandson, pulling him into the world of cow sales—and making sure he understood that sale barn food was part of the experience.
Scotty was also known for coming home from auctions with trailer loads of “treasures”—though his family might have called them something else. His purchases often came with a story, including the time he brought home a three-wheel mower. One, he proudly noted, would go perfectly in a circle—ideal for mowing around trees… though he may have overlooked the challenge of actually getting to them.
In 2003, he was faced with an illness that forced him into early retirement. True to who he was, he met that challenge head-on, fighting every day with the same strength and determination he had shown his entire life.
He loved hard—but if you knew him, you might say he worked even harder. Still, he found joy in the things that made life rich. He loved playing cards and made sure to teach each of his grandchildren how to play, passing down not just the game, but the time and connection that came with it. People will miss the way he could crack a joke and follow it with that signature smirk.
When Scotty believed in something, he wasn’t quiet about it. He was passionate, outspoken, and never one to let a conversation pass without sharing what mattered to him. He stood up for what he believed was right and was, in every sense, a fighter for fairness and justice. He believed a handshake was his contract—his word was something you could count on.
His faithful dog, Charlie, was never far from his side. Whether heading to the farm or out on the road, Charlie was his constant companion and one of his favorites to have along for the ride.
He cherished his grandchildren and made it a priority to be part of their lives—showing up, encouraging them, and passing down not just advice, but the values he lived by every day.
Scotty is survived by his loving wife, Anna; their three children, Jason and Shannon Schneider, Stacey and Allen Marcum, and Jeff and Shannon Schneider; and his cherished grandchildren, Gage, Landon, Kynli Schneider and Corey Marcum. He is also survived by his sister, Fern Weissbeck.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Schneider and Olinda Michaelis Schneider.
A graveside service will be held on May 31, 2026 at 2:00pm at the WaKeeney City Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.
Scotty leaves behind more than memories—he leaves a legacy of showing up, working hard, loving deeply, and standing firm in what you believe. It is hoped that he will be remembered as a man of strong values who loved intentionally. Those who knew him will remember not only what he did, but the way he lived—with grit, heart, and a story always worth telling.