Raymond Schmidt's Obituary
Visitation will begin Sunday, March 8, 2020, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, in Highland Mennonite Church, 171 Mennonite Church Loop, DeRidder, LA. Funeral services will be Monday, March 9, 2020, 10:30 AM, in Highland Mennonite Church in DeRidder, LA with Min. Kevin Schmidt and Min. Larry Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Mennonite Cemetery, DeRidder, LA.Raymond Schmidt, beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa, was born December 31, 1932 to Sam T. and Alice (Koehn) Schmidt in Walsh, Colorado.Dad was diagnosed with cancer in December and he peacefully finished this life on March 6, 2020 at home in the care of Hospice and his family. He was 87.In early childhood Dad’s family moved to Houston, Texas where they lived until 1942, when they moved to DeRidder, Louisiana where they made a living with a dairy and farming. Min. Ed Frank baptized Dad into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on June 3, 1945. He was faithful to these vows until the end. (Shortly before his passing his prayer was one of thankfulness for all God had done for him).In his early 20’s he gave 2 years in 1W Service at New Orleans, Louisiana working at a hospital.On April 19, 1959, he was united with our Mother, Velma Decker, sharing this life together for 60 years. They lived on the home place working with his 3 brothers together until 1976, when Dad and Mom continued to dairy with just our family. In later years, he enjoyed helping Norman with daily chores. A favorite farm activity was making hay. He also loved to give whatever flowers he found available for our Mom.In our early childhood, Daddy read us bible stories before putting us to bed. We also sang for others as a family. Dad valued reaching out to others and cared about their salvation. He loved to put his arms around someone’s shoulders and encourage them.Those left to cherish fond memories are his loving wife, Velma; children:, one daughter, Regina and Terry Hutson, two sons, Norman and Elaine, Verle and Wanda; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren all of DeRidder, Louisiana; special family: Sidney and Gloria Williams, Leland, Mississippi, one brother Allen, Buhl, Idaho, one sister-in-law, Lillian Schmidt, DeRidder, Louisiana.Preceding him in death are his parents, three brothers, and three sisters.We want to especially thank, Amedysis Hospice for their care for our Dad, and our church family for their Love, Support and Prayers.
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