Memorials › Arnold Otto "Pete" Schier

Arnold Otto "Pete" Schier

13 Jan 1908 – 26 Dec 2000

Birth13 Jan 1908
Death26 Dec 2000
CemeteryCity of Taylor Cemetery
Taylor , Williamson County , Texas , USA
Added byJohn Christeson on 26 Sep 2007
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21776715

Bio

www.schierfamily.com Arnold Otto ‘A.O. Pete' Schier (01/13/1908) was confirmed April 09, 1922 at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Walburg, TX, and was married May 21, 1930 to Demetra Lee (12/21/1911 to 04/29/1989). The couple first lived in Walburg, TX, before they moved to Taylor, TX, where Arnold was employed by the railroad for a short time. After several jobs, he joined the Taylor Police Department in 1942. In 1956, he became Chief of Police, where he served until he retired in 1977. Later in 1977, he took an interim appointment as Williamson County Sheriff until after the 1978 election. He lives in Taylor. They had two children: Robert Ray Sr and Judith Kaye. Ex-police chief was known for ethics After joining Taylor force as a patrolman, he became its leader for more than 20 years Austin American-Statesman December 28, 2000 Author: Monica Polanco American-Statesman Staff TAYLOR -- In the days when jails were the only option, former Taylor Police Chief A.O. ``Pete'' Schier would bring juvenile delinquents to his home. ``They didn't have juvenile detention centers'' in the '50s, said Schier's daughter, Justice of the Peace Judy Hobbs . ``It didn't matter if they were males or females. Mom would bathe them and feed them until they could be returned to the appropriate family." Schier, 92, died Tuesday night at Temple Hospital of natural causes. He was one of the longest-serving police chiefs in Taylor. Last year, the city named its new police station in his honor. Schier joined the Taylor Police Department as a patrolman in 1942, before patrol cars and two-way radios were used, Hobbs said. ``They had to go to a pay phone, and they patrolled on foot,'' Hobbs said. ``He would have to call in to see if they needed anything. It was dangerous because they were isolated." Schier was promoted to police chief 12 years later. He retired in May 1977 and became interim sheriff of Williamson County in September 1977 after former Sheriff August Bosshard died. Schier resigned in 1978, when Jim Boutwell was elected sheriff. He chose not to run for the post because he had pancreatitis, Hobbs said. ``He felt like his health was an issue, and he didn't want the people saddled with a sick sheriff,'' she said. Schier developed a reputation as an ethical police chief with high standards, said Mary Bartlett, a retired former Taylor police officer. ``If you misspelled a word, you got it back,'' Bartlett said. ``He was a policeman's policeman. He could walk in a room, and you respected his presence." Schier made his officers keep records on their contacts. ``If we had a disturbance call, we had all the names of everybody involved,'' Bartlett said. ``You knew who you were dealing with." He prided himself on never having drawn his weapon in the line of duty, Hobbs said. In retirement, Schier focused on family and the community, Hobbs said. He had a rare blood type and was a frequent donor. He also volunteered at the Salvation Army, was past president of the Taylor Rodeo Association and helped found the Williamson County Law Enforcement Association, Hobbs said. At home, he taught his grandchildren to play dominoes and shake hands. ``That was a biggie with him,'' Hobbs said. ``And you always speak to people when you come into a room." Before he died, Schier typed his family a letter. ``No one lives forever, and at my age, forever may be closer than we think,'' Schier wrote. ``I have always believed that if I was able to distinguish right from wrong and lived by `Do unto others as you would have others do unto you,' that I couldn't be too wrong. ``I feel that I have had a good life. Death is inevitable, and my time here on earth has run out. Do not mourn my death." Schier is survived by his daughter, Judy Hobbs, his son, Bob, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Demetra. Funeral services will be 4 p.m. today at Condra Funeral Home in Taylor. You may contact Monica Polanco at [email protected] or 246-0043. Caption: A.O. "Pete" Schier 1908 - 2000 Memorial Card In Loving Memory of Arnold Otto "Pete" Schier Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Great-Great-Grandpa, Friend, and Brother January 13, 1908-December 26, 2000 A Lifetime of Law Enforcement, and An Eternity of Love Born: January 13, 1908 Died: December 26, 2000 Funeral Service: December 28, 2000 at 4:00 p.m. Condra Funeral Home Taylor, Texas Burial: Taylor City Cemetery Born January 13, 1908, near Walburg, to Carl Schier and Louise Matties Schier. "Pete" was the youngest of nine children born to this couple. On May 21, 1930 "Pete" married Demetra Lee, who preceded him in death on April 29, 1989. In early adult life, "Pete" was employed in various occupations. Then in early 1942, he joined the Taylor Police Department as a Patrolman. In 1945 he was elevated to Assistant Chief. In August of 1956, "Pete" was appointed as Chief of Police which position he held until retirement in May 1977. Several months later he was appointed as interim Sheriff of Williamson County. He did not seek re-election to this post; after the 1978 primary, he resigned. He was commissioned as a Retired Chief with the Taylor Police Department until his death. The new Taylor Law Enforcement Center was recently named in "Pete's" honor. During his career "Pete" attended many schools and seminars and obtained an Advanced Certificate in Law Enforcement. "Pete" served as an Organizing Director of the Southwest Law Enforcement Association. He received Numerous awards for distinguished service and was awarded Life Membership by the National Association of Chiefs of Police and the Williamson County Law Enforcement Association. "Pete" became a member of the local Salvation Army Board when it was organized and continued until his retirement. He served the Taylor Rodeo Association as President on three occasions and was an Honorary Director of that organization. "Pete" also served as Masonic Lodge as Worshipful Master on two occasions and served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 47th Masonic District of the Grand Lodge of Texas. He holds an "A" certificate in the Esoteric work of that organization and was presented the Golden Trowel Award of that order. "Pete" was also a member of the Eastern Star and served as the Worthy Patron. "Pete" wrote the preceding message before his death. This is how he viewed his life. However, his family viewed his life as one of God's great blessings. We love and miss you dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great-grandpa, friend, and brother. Officiant........................Pastor Dr. Noble Aki Master Solomon Lodge "I have always believed that if I was able to distinguish right from wrong and lived by 'Do Unto Others as You Would Have Others Do Unto You' that I couldn't be too wrong." I feel that I have had a good life. Death is inevitable and my time here on earth has run out. Do not mourn my death. I hope that you will respect my wishes."

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