Richard Larry Schmidtke

Larry Schmidtke of Alabaster, Alabama was born on February 14, 1951, in Birmingham, Alabama. He went to Heaven peacefully on January 28, 2024. Larry was 72 years old. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Schmidtke, Sr., his mother Lou Schmidtke, and his nephew Clint Street. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 50 years, Diane Schmidtke, 2 daughters Jennifer Parker (Jake) and Kimberly Collins (Benny), and his six grandchildren: Brianna Collins, Max Parker, Kylie Collins, Avery Parker, Olivia Parker, and Mackenzie Collins, sister Debbie Schmidtke Street, and numerous family members.

Larry grew up in Bluff Park, Alabama, where his father worked at US Steel, and his mom was a homemaker. He graduated from Berry High School in 1969 and went on to earn his degree from Jacksonville State University in 1974. Larry began his career at Long Lewis Ford in 1974. Beginning in 1977, “Coach” was employed at Thompson Middle School for 35 years. He was a PE teacher, and his coaching years included football, basketball, baseball, and softball at both Thompson Middle School and Thompson High School. He coached gymnastics at Kathy Draper Dance Studio for 7 years. He coached both daughters in softball and was an Assistant Softball Coach at Thompson High School for 5 years. Later, he coached his granddaughters in soccer and softball. In addition, he managed the Alabaster Recreation Club for 44 years, where he was currently working. His hobbies included hunting, all Auburn sports, fishing, and attending his grandchildren’s events.

Larry and Diane were married on August 10, 1974, in Homewood, Alabama at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. In February 1982, Larry and Diane moved their church membership to First Baptist Church of Alabaster, where Larry faithfully served for 42 years. He was very active with the roles he served at FBCA. In May 2023 Larry was ordained as a deacon. His greatest love was The Lord, his wife, daughters, son in laws, and grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Alabaster, 903 3rd Ave NW, Alabaster, AL 35007. A Celebration of Life Service will follow the visitation. The gravesite committal will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to First Baptist Church of Alabaster, Bridge to the Future.