Kenneth Allen Schmidt, loving husband and devoted father and grandfather, passed away February 4, 2022, at the age of 79. He was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, on July 15, 1942, to Waldo & Nettie (Sollars) Schmidt. Kenneth was a graduate of Fort Smith Senior High School and attended Westark Community College and Arkansas Tech University. He was a respected business leader in Fort Smith, AR for over 38 years. He began his career as manager of Southern Cigar & Candy Co. for 16 years and then as owner/president of Southern Wholesale for 22 years. He was a kind, gentle man who always served others and gave unconditional love and support to his family, employees and friends.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda (Evans) Schmidt; daughter Ellen Franklin and husband Mitch of Van Buren, AR; son Howell Schmidt and wife Staci (Ransom) of Fort Smith, AR; three granddaughters Hannah Schmidt, Emily Schmidt and Kate Schmidt of Fort Smith, AR; his beloved granddog Jax Schmidt; and sister Sharon Kern of Fayetteville, AR.
He was preceded in death by his parents Waldo and Nettie Schmidt and brothers Sidney Schmidt, Rick Schmidt, and Roger Schmidt.
A Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with a private committal in the Immaculate Conception Columbarium. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club Scholarship Fund (www.fsbgc.org) 4905 North O Street, Fort Smith, AR 72904 or Kitties and Kanines Veterinary Clinic (www.kittiesandkanines.com) 4300 Phoenix Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72903.
Online condolences may be sent to: www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
