Roll Call Tribute

Edwin "Ed" William Schmidt
April 13, 1923 - November 7, 2021

Edwin “Ed” William Schmidt, Ed was born more than 98 years ago in Alton, Illinois on April 13th, 1923, a rainy Friday 13th at that. His parents were Frank and Lydia (Schwaab) Schmidt. His Grandfather immigrated from Germany and his dad was a welder working long, dedicated hours, demonstrating a strong independent work ethic to Ed. There were 3 siblings, Ed the last, living longer than both his sister Ruth and brother Elmer. He graduated from Alton High School and then spent a year at a community college where he played basketball before being accepted at The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now known a Texas A&M.

WWII started while Ed was a freshman at Texas A&M in 1941. During this time of war, summer vacations were eliminated, classes were accelerated, and then as a Junior, his entire class was called into active duty attending basic training in May 1943. He became a private in the Army, learned to become a Cartographer, and was stationed in Australia and New Guinea. This is where Ed created the maps for the US invasion of the islands in the South Pacific. After the war, Ed returned to Texas A&M and graduated in 1945 as a Civil Engineer. Ed moved to Louisville, KY to work on the Flood Wall and this is where he met his first wife Louise Person whom he married in July 1950. Louise passed away in 1984. He continued to manage his Engineering and Surveying Company in Louisville and enjoyed competitive, recreational bowling at every opportunity.

Twenty-five years ago, Ed reacquainted with an old friend, Betty Reinhardt. They meet at the Blue Boar Cafeteria and married in July 1996. Ed wrote in his memoirs “These years with Betty have been the happiest of his life.” Ed still maintained his bowling commitments, and Betty would travel with Ed to bowling tournaments across the country. The two were avid card players, and they would be merciless in showing “no pity” on Betty’s sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren, always playing to win! He was fully devoted to Betty who predeceased him on June 12th, 2018.

Sports were important to Ed, and he was always watching the Aggies or Ravens play football and was a devoted UofL and UK basketball fan. He also enjoyed gardening, until the squirrels ate all of his tomatoes one year!

Ed had a love for the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of Southeast Christian Church. When he was unable to attend church physically, he continued his worship time on Sunday mornings with Southeast on TV. This was a sacred time, and even long-distance phone calls with relatives would not interrupt this time of worship and the message from the church pulpit.

When asked the key to his longevity in life, Ed would tell you, “A slice of pie every evening." Inscribed on Ed’s Texas A&M yearbook are the words, “Above and Beyond the Call of Duty”, and these words exemplified Edwin Schmidt’s Life. Ed fought a courageous and faithful battle with cancer. He said that he was ready to go home to be with the Lord and his lovely bride of 23 years. Ed left us peacefully while sleeping at Parr’s Rest in Louisville, KY on Sunday evening November 7th.

Ed is survived in his family by his nieces Marilyn (Baxter) Tohill and Charlotte (Baxter) Wright and his nephew Mark Schmidt. He also leaves behind his adopted family of 3 stepsons, Randy Reinhardt (Linda), Dana Reinhardt (Shannan), Greg Reinhardt (Luly), and nine -grandchildren. Not to mention the numerous great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and nephews.

Saturday, November 6th, was his last lucid day, and what a delight to join him in cheering the Aggies to victory over the Auburn Tigers. He is now receiving his victory in heaven, the gift of eternal life.

Visitation will be in the Chapel at Pearson’s Funeral Home, 149 Breckenridge Lane from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM on Monday, November 15th. The Funeral Service will be held in the chapel at 12:00 PM, and then the interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army or Wayside Christian Mission.