Richard William Schmidt

Richard William Schmidt went home to be with our Lord, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at the age of 84. He was born at home in Austin, Texas on April 12, 1928, to Walter William Schmidt and Dora Sophia Jenkins Schmidt.

Richard studied civil engineering for two years and worked for Brown & Root Construction Company before entering a notable stint in the military. Before serving our country, however, he met and married the love of his life, Kathryn Davis Schmidt, on June 17, 1950, at First Baptist Church of San Marcos. Then later, from 1952 to 1960, he joined the army, where he earned Staff Sergeant, during the Korean War. During that time, Richard distinguished himself as a leader and a hero by earning the National Defense Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and two Bronze Stars. He continued to develop his leadership skills after reentering civilian life as he cofounded Schmidt Construction Company, an underground utility company, where Richard worked until he retired in 2002.

Richard loved and actively served his Lord and Savior at the Hill Country Baptist Church of Oakhill, where he was deacon. He was a Master Mason, 32nd degree Scottish Rite, and a member of Hill City 456. Over the years, Richard blessed many with his artful gift of building things with his hands, both in wood, metal, and electrical. He was an avid outdoorsman, working with livestock and growing gorgeous gardens.

Richard was preceded in death by parents; grandson, Aaron Betros; and two brothers, Roy C. Schmidt and Walter S. Schmidt.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Kathryn Schmidt; son, Shane Schmidt and wife, Sherrel; daughters, Glynda Betros and husband, Matthew and Jennifer Walker and husband, Steve; special cousin, Leah Hollis Cochran and husband, Jarrett; grandchildren, Jaime Schmidt Dydalewicz and husband, Greg, Cody Schmidt and wife, Nicole, Candace Walker Thompson and husband, Chris, Garrett Betros, and Dillon Betros; four great-grandchildren; brother, Robert H. Schmidt; sister, Margaret Kelly; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Oak Hill, 6907 Convict Hill Road. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.