CSM John Martin Schmidt "Smitty"

Born November 28, 1926 in Lydentownship, Illinois. Son of the late John and Catherine Schmidt. Husband of Vora Nell Locklear Schmidt. Preceded in death was sisters Catherine Peters, Helen Haizmann, Clara Willems, Ann Renfore, Christina Clark and Brothers Paul Schmidt, Nicholes Schmidt, daughter Patricia Ailleen Holder, and grandson John Wilson. Living brother Adam Schmidt and wife Ellen. Sister-in-law Mildred and brother-in-law Robert Price.

Living daughter Judy Wilson and husband Troy, sons John Martin Schmidt, Jr. and wife Susan, Gene Schmidt and wife Jeanie, Martin Ray Schmidt and wife Vicky, Larry James Schmidt, Donald Rex and wife Helen. He was a proud grandfather of 23 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

He served in the Army for 27 years, did basic training at Camp Hood in 1945. Met his wife Vora Nell Locklear and married in September of 1945. Stationed again in Ft. Hood 1948 to 1949. Returned to Ft. Hood in 1966 and was 1st Sgt. of Darnell Army Hospital and made Sgt. Major of Medical Hold and left in May 1969. Awarded the Bronze Star Medal January 26, 1966. He retired in August 1972 in El Paso from the US Army. Retired from State of Texas after 10 years. He was the First Square Dance Caller for the Coryell County Square in Gatesville.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 6-8 PM with a Rosary at 7PM at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. Funeral mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday at 10AM. Burial will follow at the Killeen Memorial Park.

Arrangements under the direction of Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen.