Orville J Schmidt

He married Vera Knibbe on April 26, 1950. Vera was the light of his life, and he relished every moment he spent with her.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed farming and playing music, especially the saxophone, clarinet and piano. He operated amusement machines for a period and also drove a candy truck, which his children especially enjoyed. He spent the majority of his adult life as a truckdriver and earned safe driving awards while driving for Chemical Express. He retired from Roadway Express in 1989. He was a long term Hermann Sons member and a lifetime member of Solms and Spring Branch Bowling Clubs. He loved to travel and went on major trips to Europe, Hawaii and Alaska.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Vera Knibbe Schmidt of New Braunfels, TX. He is also survived by his son, Darrel Schmidt and his wife Lisa of Big Foot, TX; his daughter, Phyllis Ritter and her husband John of New Braunfels, TX; and another daughter, Denise Schubert and her husband Robert of San Antonio, TX.

He is survived by 5 grandchildren: Daniel Schmidt and his wife JoAnn of Devine, TX; Vicki Williamson and her husband Geoff of Boston, MA; Dustin Schmidt of Cibolo, TX; Clayton Ritter of San Antonio, TX; and Oscar Jarrett Schmidt of Big Foot, TX; 3 step-grandchildren: Dianne Carthel and her husband Clint of Cotton Center, TX; Jason Schubert of San Antonio, TX; and Julie Schubert of San Antonio, TX; 3 great-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren; 1 sister-in-law, Ruby Knibbe Ulbright; 2 nieces and numerous cousins.

O.J. was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Dora (Edmondson) Schmidt.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Zoeller Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Zoeller Funeral Home chapel. Interment will follow in the Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be given to the St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels; Hope Hospice or charity of one’s choice.