Roger W. (Rod) Schmidt, 76, of Alma, died June 24, 2013 in Fort Smith. He was born July 25, 1936 in Rhinelander, WI to Sidney Waldo and Nettie Mae Sollars Schmidt. After serving in Germany, Japan, and Vietnam, he was medically retired from the U.S. Army with eighteen years service. Following retirement from the U.S. Army he earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from New Mexico State University at Las Cruces, NM after which he worked for the Department of Defense as Liaison between Army, Navy, Air Force missile defense contractors. He then worked for Fleet Missile system in China Lake, CA until he retired and moved to Alma, AR in 1993, where he volunteered as a coach for the Special Olympics Athletes for many years. Rod was a Christian man who instilled faith in his children and all those around him by living a good example. His whole life was based on Faith, Family, and Country. He will be missed more than words can say by his wife, Jan of 57 years.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Ware Schmidt of the home; two daughters, Kerri Stone and husband Chris of Eureka, CA and Shawn Elaine Schmidt of Alma; two sons, Greg Schmidt and wife Lisa of Bakersfield, CA and Scott Schmidt of Greenwood; one sister, Sharon Kern of Johnson, AR; two brothers, Sid Schmidt and wife Carol of Two Harbors, MN and Ken Schmidt and wife Linda of Fort Smith; grandchildren, Lauren McMillin & husband Jarod, Brittany Wegis and husband Jon, Jansen Zamora and husband Andrew, and Brandon Schmidt all of Bakersfield, CA, Allyson Stramotas and husband John of Redondo Beach, CA, Seth Stone and wife Ashley, Lucas Stone and wife Melody and Nathan Stone all of Sacramento, CA, and Daniel Bender and Gunner Schmidt of the home; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Cherlyn Schmidt, and one brother Rick Schmidt in 1969.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery with full honors all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5-7 PM
Memorials may be made to Special Olympics 3305 Kibler Road Van Buren, AR 72956
To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
December 21, 2017
Friend
Wanda and Kenneth Read
Jan, We just got your card. We were so sorry to hear of Roger's passing. I know you miss him terribly. God bless you. think of you often. Would like to call but not sure of your number. 605 271 2915
July 1, 2013
Glenda Kennon
Jan, I am sorry to hear of the news regarding your husband's death. I wish circumstances and distance have kept us so far apart all of these years. I do have fond memories of our being together when we visited Ark. You of course, are as beautiful as ever. I did have a chance to see Ron at Aunt Theolyn's funeral and catch up on some of the family news. It was enjoyable seeing your family pictures in the obit. sent to me by Walter. I am sure you will miss him every minute of each day. It appears you have wonderful memories of the years spent together. Love, your cousin Glenda.
June 29, 2013
Walter and Carol Ruhl
Hey Jan! I am so sorry to hear of Rodgers passing. I know how much you will miss him. We will keep you all in our prayers. Carol and I were in St Louis last weekend and I said We should continue on and visit you and Rodger. We will not be able to attend but will be remembering all the good times and the Catfish dinners we shared together. Please feel free to call if you need someone to talk to. Your cousin and Friend Walter and Carol Ruhl
June 29, 2013
Jan and all the family. We will always remember Roger for his smile and how he was always happy.Our thoughts and prayers are with you for we will sure miss him. Randy and Shannon Rowe
June 28, 2013
Diane SantaAna
Dearest Jan and sweet family, We are soooooo sorry that your precious hubby,father,grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, friend is away from you. Even though he is with the Lord, I want our loved ones with us .. still. Can't imagine the pain. We are holding you up to God for strength. YOU ARE LOVED ! I will remember Rod's huge smile, and gentle heart.
June 27, 2013
Karla McMurray
In your time of grief, I pray you will remember the great things he accomplished throughout his life. I will never forget all he did to help our Special Olympic Athletes train for Power Lifting. Great Man and Friend!!!
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