William Dillion 'Bill' Schulte Sr.

Bill Dillion "Bill" Schulte Sr. went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Nov. 21, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family, he was 84 years old.

Bill was born May 4, 1940, in Chillicothe, Mo. He spent most of his early life in an orphanage there. He was adopted in his teens and moved to Teague.

He graduated from Teague High School in May 1959.

He married Virginia Elaine La Rue on Nov. 30, 1968, in Mexia. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Bill was the general foreman for the Donie Chair Company until 1979. That year, he and Elaine moved back to Mexia, and he started Do-Rite of Mexia. Bill was very proud of the work that he did, and much of it can still be seen around Mexia today. In 1988, he closed the company due to declining health. His example and mentorship led his son, Blaine, to open his own business that continues to be successful today.

He was a loving husband, father, Poppy and great -grandfather to his family. Bill loved his family with all that he had. He was always willing to lend a hand or ear.

He loved to watch westerns and would watch them over and over – even though he knew what was going to happen. He was skilled with his hands and liked to work with wood or on engines. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Elaine (LaRue) Schulte, of almost 56 years; three sons, William Dillion (Bill Jr.) Schulte and wife Judy of Cross Plains;  Blaine Schulte, and wife Tammy of Lorena; and Bruce Schulte of Mexia; one daughter, Belinda Schulte-Thomas of Baird; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He is preceded in death by Henry and Virginia LaRue; Larry LaRue; one brother, Steve Schulte; and one infant grandson, Branson Ray Hardesty.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church chapel, 519 S. McKinney, Mexia, on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. Brother Shane Norcross will officiate.

A family committal service is planned at Mexia Cemetery for a later date.

The family wishes to thank Calvary Baptist Church, Bruce Schulte for his care and Kenny at Miller Family Funeral Home, Snyder.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations of gift cards, freezer-ready meals, or non-perishable goods. These may be dropped off at the church the day of the service, or mailed to The Schulte Family, P.O. Box 643, Lorena, TX 76655