Edmund Schmidt

Edmund G. Schmidt, 89, of Hutto, Texas passed away Monday, February 21, 2011 after a long bout with cancer. Ed was born January 5, 1922, as the eldest of nine children born to F.H. and Rosa Hackbarth Schmidt. He was born on a farm in East Williamson County with the arrival of a “Blue Norther.” As a boy, he got a Saturday job at a grocery store in Taylor and worked on the family farm. Following Pearl Harbor, he joined the Army in December 1942 serving in a medical evacuation detachment on ships in the Pacific Theatre and in a field hospital on the island of New Guinea. During his service, he earned two Bronze Medals.

He married Julia Hurta in 1942. In 1951, they moved to Hutto and opened Red & White Grocery on Friday, July 13, 1951 and continued to operate the store through 1990. At the age of 68, he opened a local chapter of Germania Insurance.

He served on the Hutto City Council for 9 years followed by 20 years as mayor. Ed was a charter member of the Hutto Lion’s Club with 55 years of perfect attendance and a charter member of the Chamber of Commerce. He remained active in the community through the City of Hutto Zoning Board and the Hutto Education Foundation. He was honored to have received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award and a Congressional commendation that recognized his lifetime achievements and his contributions to the community.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, F.H. and Rosa Schmidt, sisters Catherine Schmidt and Elenora Hardi, and brothers Howard, Clifford, and Edward Dean Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Julia; sons Dennis (Rosemary) and David (Jessica) Schmidt of Taylor; daughters Jennifer (Kenneth) Goodenow of Hutto and Corliss (Ted) Powell of Austin; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters Rose Hardin of Austin, Nathalie (Karl) Engling of Elgin, and Shirley Halstead of Leander; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Family visitation will be held Friday February 25, 2011, from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. at Condra Funeral Home, Taylor, Texas. Services will be held Saturday February 26, 2011, at Hutto Lutheran Church, followed by a graveside service at Hutto Lutheran Cemetary.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to Hospice Austin and Hill Country Caregivers. Memorials may be given to Hutto Lutheran Church to the Building Fund or to a charity of your choice.