Roll Call Tribute

Published in the Mobile (AL) Register and Baldwin County from Mar. 3 to Mar. 4, 2015

William Watson Schroeder
May 17, 1941-Feb. 27, 2015 William Watson Schroeder, 73, died suddenly Friday, February 27, 2015 in Salida, CO of complications following emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction. He was born May 17, 1941 in Evanston, IL to Carleton B. and Dorothy E. (Watson) Schroeder. Soon after WWII they moved their young family to San Diego CA where Will grew up. He was an early surfer and diver which led to his interest in Marine Science. He graduated from San Diego State University and obtained his PhD from Texas A&M University. He was associated with the University of Alabama and the Dauphin Island Sea Lab for 34 years. He knew he was a lucky man to have had a long, successful career as an oceanographer doing work that he loved. He was married first to Phyllis Wolf (now Alvarez) of College Station, TX. They raised two wonderful sons together in Texas and Mobile, AL. He later in life married Beth McGinnis Patterson of Mobile who also had two grown sons. They chose in retirement to relocate to Salida, CO in 2006 and were both very happy with their new home town and exploring the West. They shared a love of travel and had many adventures together visiting remote places. Family was very important to Will and he dearly loved his sons, step-sons, daughters-in-law, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father in 1991 and his mother in 1995. Survivors include his wife of fourteen years; sons Erich (Ellengray) Schroeder and Zack (Candiace) Schroeder; step-sons Chad (Ashlea) Patterson and Greg (Amy) Patterson; grandchildren Graesen Schroeder, Ava Schroeder, Charlie Schroeder, Chaney Schroeder, Alex Patterson, Connor Patterson, and Edrie Patterson; his brothers Cart (Dell) Schroeder, Peter (Joycelyn) Schroeder, and Hank (Nancy) Schroeder; cousins including Jim (Jennine) Antrim and Shirley McIntire; mother-in-law Imie McGinnis; sisters-in-law Mary (Bill) Leslie, Cate (Jim) Pierce, and Peggy Lee; brothers-in-law Mike McGinnis, David (Nancy) McGinnis; and many nephews and nieces on both sides. A memorial service to celebrate the life of this wonderful man will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home in Salida. On line condolences may be sent to the family at lewisandglenn.com. Memorial donations may be made to Chaffee County Boys & Girls Club or Child Fund International. C/O Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home PO Box 925, Salida, CO 81201


Funeral Home
Lewis & Glenn Funeral Home
203 E Sackett St Salida, CO 81201
(719) 539-3831