Ted Henry Schmidt

He was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle and Harry; his siblings, Harry, Alma, Smitty, and Roy; and his son, Kyle. He is survived by his children Deborah Jean, Lynn Diane, Cecil Wayne, Kelley Rae, Brigitte Cherie, and Raquel Elizabeth, and 17 grandchildren.

Sonny was born in Richmond, Texas, on February 20, 1934. He graduated from Reagan High School and served our country as a United States Marine. In 1963, Sonny married Lucille Rose Allen and felt blessed to share over 50 years with her until her passing in 2014.

Sonny and Lucy owned and operated the Triple A Restaurant on Airline Drive, which drew people from all walks of life—from truck drivers to judges. Since Sonny’s parents were deaf and he grew up with sign language, the restaurant also became a haven for the hard-of-hearing community. Sonny and Lucy greeted all who entered with an easy cheerfulness, and the place became an institution for those looking for great down-home cooking in an environment that made them feel at home.

As a football fan, Sonny enjoyed coaching his son’s team and going to see the Oilers with his family. He was also an enthusiastic golfer and often played with his friends on many of Houston’s courses, enjoying the company as much as the game. He and Lucy could also cut a rug with the best of them, as they did on their trips to Las Vegas.

Growing up in rural Texas at a time when that meant truly living off what the land yielded through hard work, Sonny learned not to take things for granted. But he was also driven by an optimism about the possibilities of life. He and Lucy were most proud of their children, whom they never tired of talking about. Sonny will be remembered as a loving father to his children, a devoted papa to his grandchildren, and as a person who made the world a little better.

Celebration of life will be at the graveside at 11 am on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home and Cemetery.

In place of flowers, please consider donating to the Salvation Army.

Family and friends are asked to line up in the parking lot beginning at 10:45am to process to the graveside together at 10:55am. Maps will also be available inside the funeral home.