HEMPHILL, TX – The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum ‘Remembering Columbia’ is saddened to share the passing of retired employee “L.J.” Schrieber.
Lovelace Joe “L.J.” Schrieber III, aged 77, of Hemphill, passed away on March 22, 2026 in Jasper, Texas.
He retired from the ‘Remembering Columbia’ Museum in 2023 after 12 years of service.
The museum’s board of directors wishes to express heartfelt appreciation for LJ’s friendship and his innumerable contributions over the years.
Born on December 22, 1948, in Orange, Texas, L.J. led a life marked by dedication to his family, country, and community.
A long-time resident of Orange, he was a graduate of Stark High School where he was an avid baseball and football player.
L.J. served valiantly in the Navy during the Vietnam War, where he was stationed aboard the USS Arlington (AGMR-2). His role was crucial in communications operations that supported the Seventh Fleet in the Tonkin Gulf. Notably, his ship played a significant part in the recovery of astronauts from the Apollo 8 and Apollo 10 missions, a point of pride in his military career. Following his honorable service, L.J. transitioned to a civilian role that reflected his passion for history and space exploration, working at the Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum in Hemphill, Texas.
He was a man who cherished the outdoors, whether it was competing in Bass Master Tournaments or as a member of the Fishers of Men Bass Club or leading the pack in golf tournaments at the Sunset Grove Country Club in Orange, Texas. L.J. also had a profound love for animals, finding joy and companionship in his many pets.
Nothing brought him more happiness than his children and grandchildren. He was endlessly proud of the lives they built and the people they became, often boasting about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen. His love for them was deep, constant, and evident in every story he shared.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Dawaina “Dee” Schrieber; daughter, Robin Fuller and husband, James, and their children, Annabel Fuller, Fallon Fuller and Abigail Fuller; son, David Green and wife, Shana along with their children, Brooks Green and Tucker Green; daughter, Daneen Green; and sister, Sharon Stephenson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lovelace Joe Schrieber II and Bettie Lou Richardson Schrieber, and his brother, Mike Schrieber.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions made to the Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum, 375 Sabine Street, Unit B, Hemphill, Texas 75948 would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Arrangements were handled by Starr Funeral Home.
Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.
Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum 'Remembering Columbia' 