Duane D. Schmidt

Duane Derr Schmidt, 100, passed peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, May 22, 2026 in Sugar Land, Texas. He joyfully entered the presence of Jesus after a long life marked by faith and deep love for the Lord.

Born on October 14, 1925, in Battle Creek, Iowa, Duane was raised in a farming family during the Great Depression. He loved telling stories about his early years- tales of farm life, country schools, and mischievous childhood adventures, including how as a toddler, he walked more than a mile to his aunt’s house without a stitch of clothing on before anyone realized he was missing.

Duane excelled in academics, entering high school before turning thirteen. On Iowa’s standardized testing, Duane ranked as a top ten student state-wide. After graduation, he attended Iowa State to study engineering. His education was interrupted by service in the United States Army during World War II. In one account from basic training, Duane would laugh and describe how, after struggling miserably on the rifle range qualifying test, one weary sergeant finally coached him just enough to help him pass.

Duane eventually returned to complete his degree in chemical engineering. After college he took a position in Venezuela with Creole Petroleum. He loved sharing stories of his nearly 9-year adventure in South America- learning the language, navigating questionable menu choices like avocado pie, and of the deep satisfaction his work provided.

Duane’s return to the United States took him to Tulsa, OK, where he met and married the love of his life, Maxine Hall. Together they built a home centered on Christ and family. Duane treasured being a father and grandfather. He often spoke of his daughters, Linda and Sharon, as blessings entrusted to him by God. Family was one of the greatest joys of his life, and he took deep pride in encouraging, supporting, and praying faithfully for those he loved.

Duane was known not only for his intelligence and gentle humor, but also his servant’s heart. He faithfully served at church his whole life, including teaching children’s Sunday School, being a deacon, serving in Stephen’s Ministry and prison ministry, singing in the First Baptist Church choir, going on multiple mission trips, and volunteering his time on many occasions. Even when age limited his abilities, he continued finding quiet ways to serve like staying after services to tidy the sanctuary or guest teaching in his Sunday School class at Sugar Creek Baptist Church.

In later years, Duane still enjoyed reading his Bible, baseball- from sharing how as a kid he listened to “Dutch” (later President Ronald) Reagan announce the Chicago White Sox games on the radio to cheering on the Astros in present day- watching favorite movies, and spending time with family and friends. As his eyesight began to fail, he loved having the Scripture read to him daily and having the family keep him updated on who was at bat and how many outs. Above all, he remained in a posture of prayer and would constantly ask others how he could pray for them.

Duane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maxine Schmidt, and grandchildren, Connor and Katie. He is survived by his daughters, Linda Burkhart (Doug)and Sharon Powell (Chris); grandchildren Brian, Christy and Austin; great-grandchildren Jonah, Levi, and Paxton; and many extended family members, church family, and precious friends who he thought the world of.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Star of Hope Mission, https://www.sohmission.org/

A visitation for Duane will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sugar Creek Baptist Church, 13213 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.