Malcolm Cochran Schulz

Malcolm C. Schulz, 88, beloved father and friend, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2014, surrounded by his family. He was born in Dallas to Henry and Irma Schulz on March 20, 1925. The family moved to Abilene in 1937. Malcolm enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and served in Central America from 1942 – 1945. It was there that Malcolm learned Spanish and acquired his love of Pre-Colombian archaeology. Upon his return home, he attended Tarleton Jr. College and graduated from Baylor Law School in 1949. He opened his first law firm in Abilene in November 1949. Malcolm developed a love of flying while in the Air Corps, so it was not long before he became a private pilot and owned his own plane. In response to the Cuban Missile Crisis, the 490th Civil Affairs Company of Army Reservists was called to active duty. Capt. Malcolm Schulz proudly served with his unit at Fort Gordon, GA from October 1961 to November 1962. Upon his return to Abilene, he resumed his law practice which he passionately continued until the day he died, almost 65 years. Malcolm was actively involved in many diverse local and state organizations. He often assumed leadership positions and was recognized with numerous awards throughout the years. In addition, he served as president of the local Bar Association and was recognized by the Mental Health Association for his leadership, service, and numerous contributions. Another local organization that was dear to Malcolm was the Abilene Community Theater. For years Malcolm was a regular performer in both comedies and dramas to the delight of audiences. He was an active member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Parish. Malcolm was a gifted observer of life and often recounted humorous stories, embellished by his wry wit and good-natured sense of humor. His comical anecdotes enlivened weekly domino and card games with lifelong friends. He blessed us with his laughter and his way of making every day seem special and memorable because of his unique ability to see the good or the extraordinary all around us. His love of life was boundless. Those qualities that most endeared Malcolm to all who knew him were his passion for justice and fairness for all regardless of position in life which drew him to the law; his compassion for those who could not speak for themselves, who needed an advocate, who were underrepresented, who were maltreated in any way; and his desire to make the world a better place for everyone, but especially for those who suffered the most. His kindness and compassion extended to the homeless as well as to animals. Malcolm served as an inspiration to his family, a model of Christian charity and compassion, giving to and doing for others before thinking of self. Malcolm was pre-deceased by his parents and by his ex-wife Marilyn. He is survived by his brother, Henry R. Schulz; by his daughters Anchen Schulz and her children Alessandra and Gregory Baldini; and Gretchen (Schulz) Hodge and James, and their children Jared and Amy (Christianson) Hodge and their daughter, Kalynn, and Travis Hodge; and by nieces Denise Schulz, Xan Lasko, and Vanessa Brown. He is also survived by his long-standing beloved companion Judy Casey and her two daughters, Karla (Casey) Weygandt and Robert and their children Brooke and Christian, and Staci Casey and her daughter Morgan Casey-Summers. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Malcolm to Love and Care Ministries, 233 Fannin St., Abilene, TX 79603; Rescue the Animals SPCA, 4620 North 1st St., Abilene, TX 79603; St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 3150 Vogel, Abilene, TX 79603; or to a charity of your choice.