Fred Shuchart Houston, TX Obituary, Death — Professor Fred Shuchart Z”L, a shareholder at Ramey, Chandler, Schein, PC. and Professor, died early Saturday morning at the age of 65. Surrounded by family and laughter during a joyful reunion the night before, Fred’s final moments reflected the very essence of how he lived—fully, joyously, and in connection with those he loved most.
A memorial service will be held in Houston, with additional plans to bury Fred in St. Louis, Missouri, alongside his parents in the family plot. Details for the Houston service will be shared with the public once finalized.
Born in St. Louis, Fred lived a life grounded in intellectual rigor, personal warmth, and unwavering integrity. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University in 1982 with degrees in Economics and German, before earning his J.D. from Washington University School of Law in 1985. There, he was inducted into both the Order of the Coif and the Order of the Barristers, distinctions awarded to students of exceptional academic and advocacy performance.
Fred began his legal career in St. Louis, contributing to what would become the longest jury trial in U.S. history, Kemner v. Monsanto, before relocating to Houston, where he became a shareholder at Ramey, Chandler, Schein, PC. Over the course of his career, he developed a reputation as one of the nation’s foremost experts in insurance coverage law.
From 2007 until his passing, Fred was named annually to the Texas Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters. In 2015, he served on the Super Lawyers Blue Ribbon Panel, and in 2013 and 2014, he was recognized as a top lawyer in insurance law by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell. These accolades reflected not only his legal skill, but also his dedication to ethics, mentorship, and excellence.
Outside the courtroom, Fred was a passionate educator and mentor. He taught two insurance law courses at South Texas College of Law Houston, where he left a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike. He also traveled the country conducting seminars on coverage and extra-contractual litigation, offering insight and guidance to peers and industry professionals.
Fred believed in civic engagement and education at all levels. He volunteered with the Houston Bar Association’s “Teach Texas” program, helping introduce seventh-grade students to the workings of the state and federal court systems. He held active memberships in the Houston Bar Association, the Metropolitan St. Louis Bar Association, and served as Director of Education for the CLM Alliance – Greater Houston Chapter.
Licensed to practice law in Texas, Missouri, and Illinois, as well as in all Federal District Courts in Texas and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Fred’s legal influence was expansive. Yet despite his long list of professional credentials, he remained humble, approachable, and devoted to those around him.
What truly set Fred apart was his humanity. Known for his big heart, sharp wit, and ability to make others feel at ease, he inspired deep loyalty and admiration. He loved life—and that love showed in everything from his legal arguments to his family reunions.
One particularly moving tribute came from Jacob Jack Way, who shared:
“Fred was one of the first five people I met when I moved to Texas in 2016. Truly loved this man. He helped me create plans to change the political landscape of Houston, inspired me to work hard, and was genuinely such a nice man with a resilience that is incomparable. I will truly miss him but will remember the lessons he taught me when I was a young 25-year-old political consultant in a major city with a desire to succeed. Love you, Fred, and thank you for the many lives you changed and helped in your years here on earth.”
Fred leaves behind a loving family, who will miss him every day, and a professional and academic legacy that will continue to shape minds and lives for generations. His absence is deeply felt, but his spirit remains present—in the courtroom, in the classroom, and in the hearts of those who knew him.
Details regarding the Houston memorial service for Fred Shuchart will be announced as they become available.
