Lester “Les” Schmidt, 99, died on October 11, 2018 at Koester Pavilion, Troy. He was born April 24, 1919 in Dawson, OH, Shelby County to the late Henry & Delphine (Alexander) Schmidt. He was the 4th of 10 children; attended many schools in Shelby County; received an Honorary High School Diploma in June 2015; married Rita Neargarder in 1940 & she passed in 1990; & later married Bonnie Liles who is also deceased.
Preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Doris Schmidt; grandson, John Schmidt; 4 brothers, Melvin, Ray, Val & Shorty Schmidt; & 4 sisters, Rachel Schmidt, Edwina Chappie, Aggie Heintz & Irene Stephanson.
He is survived by 2 sons, Richard (Mary) of Sidney, Robert (Christine) of Piqua; 4 daughters, Alice Chappie, Sharon (Larry) Grube, Sandra (Randy) Stine, all of Piqua & Connie Sheldon of Centerville; 24 grandchildren; & 36 great-grandchildren; sister, Margaret Luthman of Anna; & other relatives & friends.
Lester served his country as a Navy veteran of WWII in the Pacific at Iwogema. He was a Radar Man on his boat – LST #646. As a young man, at 14, he began working as a Farm “Month Hand”, CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp), Gartland-Haswell Foundry & GHR in Dayton. He was seen roller skating to many of his earlier jobs.
After the war he bought his own milk truck then moved on to become a plumber, working for Cecil Crawford. He worked at Orr Felt as a maintenance man. After retiring, he started his own repair business. He had a great mind & understanding of building & mechanical things.
Lester spent many hours square dancing. He loved traveling, gardening, playing cards, feeding & recognizing birds & being outdoors. He was a wonderful story-teller & always had a smile & helping hand to offer others. His family & friends will all miss his love of life, hid generous spirit & his beautiful smile.
Mass of Christian Burial to be held Tuesday at 10:30am at St. Teresa Catholic Church with Father James Duell celebrating. Prayers will be said at 10am at Bridges-Stocker-Fraley Funeral Home, Covington. Interment at Miami Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Honors provided by VETS. Visitation will be held Monday 5-8pm at the funeral home. Contributions in honor of Lester can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Habitat for Humanity. Condolences may be left for the family at www.stockerfraley.com.
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