“Lord, you see what you got here:” How Wetumpka’s first family of football lifted others like it from poverty

Andy Anders / The Herald Gene and Slim Schroeder at Gene's 92nd birthday celebration May 15.

Scattered amongst the numerous occupations Franklin “Slim” Schroeder has held in his 86 years of life is a stint as a Baptist minister.

Since that time, whenever the Schroeders hold one of their gargantuan family gatherings, Slim often leads prayers before meals.

Gene and Mayor

Andy Anders / The Herald Gene Schroeder, his niece Marge Roate and Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis at Schroeder's 92nd birthday celebration May 15.

Schroeder boys football

Submitted / The Herald The six Schroeder boys line up for a family game of football.

Gene with family

Submitted / The Herald Gene Schroeder with his grandchildren.

Schroeder family tree

Submitted / The Herald The Schroeder family tree as of May 17, 2021.