Arthur Louis Schechter

Arthur Louis Schechter (December 6, 1939 – April 13, 2026) was an American politician, diplomat, attorney and philanthropist.

Early life Schechter attended public schools and graduated from Lamar High School in Rosenberg, Texas. In 1958 Schechter graduated from the University of Texas in Plan II Honors Program with a BA in 1962. While there, he was a member of Phi Sigma Delta, the Friar Society, and the Silver Spurs.

He received a JD degree from the University of Texas Law School in 1964. He also subsequently attended the University of Houston for a master's degree in Political Science and Foreign Affairs.

Career Schechter was a senior partner at Schechter, Shaffer, and Harris based in Houston, Texas. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and was appointed by President Bill Clinton on October 29, 1998. After returning, Schechter chaired the Harris County Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Personal life and death Schechter resided in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Joyce Proler Schechter, whom he married on August 25, 1956. They had two daughters: Leslie Rose Karpas (Hedley) born in 1966, and Jennifer Rose Schechter (Alan, Harris County Constable) born in 1968.

He was a member of the Westwood Country Club and Congregation Beth Israel.

Schechter died on April 13, 2026, at the age of 86.