Walter A. Schmidt

Walter, better known to family as "Wuzzy" and to friends as "Smitty", peacefully went home to start the next chapter of his incredible life and to rest in the arms of the Lord with no more pain on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022.

Walter was born in St. Louis to Walter Harry Schmidt and Ruby Eileen (Martin) Schmidt. He grew up in Oakville Missouri, and retired to Florida in 1990. He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl, son John Schmidt and grandson John Jr. Schmidt. He is also survived by siblings, Mike from Iowa, Kevin from Tennessee, and sister Pam Schmidt from Missouri as well as many loved cousins, aunts and uncles. In the 25 years that Cheryl & Smitty were married, his family grew to include his daughter, Brenda Croudy, his granddaughter Taylor Schuler, and his great granddaughter, Ivory Lee Gee. He is also survived by Harley, who meant so very much to Smitty, and by so many good friends who played such an important part in his life.

Walter attended St. Francis Of Assisi elementary school and graduated from Melville Senior High in 1966. After graduation he joined the Air Force and spent the next 24 years there before retiring to Florida. He retired as a Master Sergeant receiving many decorations including the Bronze Star in Vietnam. During his time in the Air Force he completed his college degree remotely. His assignments in the Air Force stationed him around the world where he lived in several different countries and enjoyed many different cultures.

When Smitty retired to Florida he met Cheryl, and they enjoyed 25 years of marriage to the fullest with an endless supplies of laughter and good times. Smitty lived a full life of risks and was always ready for a new adventure and enjoyed telling stories of the adventures he experienced.

His well rounded interests in life were never dull from childhood into his senior years. Hobbies included boating, fishing, hunting, photography, motorcycles and fast cars as well as building custom fishing poles and knives. He enjoyed music, the theater, reading, and hot air balloons and sky diving. He was an accomplished artist with pencil and charcoal. He had a vast knowledge in all of the activities he was involved in and liked sharing that with others of the same interest. He was always eager to join clubs that he learned from and enjoyed such as Bay Area Corvette Club, Power Squadron, American legion, Bayboro Yacht Club, Photography club, and Old Salt Fishing Club. He loved having parties and having friends over and always enjoyed a cigar and rum.

Services will be casual and held Thursday, June 16th at the VA cemetery in the gazebo at 2:30 pm followed by a celebration of life at Pasadena Cove clubhouse located at 1324 Pasadena Avenue starting at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers please send any donation to either of Smitty's charities he supported, Gary Sinise Foundation or Tunnel To Towers Foundation.

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