Schroeder celebrates 40 years on bench in Gonzales County

Smiley Municipal Judge Gary J. Schroeder has passed a milestone that few jurists ever reach. Schroeder has served actively as a municipal judge for more than 40 years.

He is the presiding judge for the City of Smiley and had served as such for more than 30 years for the City of Gonzales, making him the longest-serving judge in the history of Gonzales County. He was first appointed by Mayor Carol Wiley and council on January 1, 1981, at the age of 28, which at the time made him the youngest judge in Gonzales County’s history.

Judge Schroeder also has served as the presiding judge for the city of Cuero for more than eight years and has worked for the City of Shiner’s Municipal Court for more than 25 years.

“I know that the majority of people that come in contact with the Judicial system is through the Municipal Courts and their impression is formed by how they are treated, be fair, follow the law and most of all use some common sense,” Schroeder said.