Lester W Schmidt

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.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lester W Schmidt, please visit our floral store.