Donald F. Schmidt

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Donald F. Schmidt, 70, who left us December 2, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with Crohn's disease.

Don was born February 2, 1954, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Peggy and the late Marvin Schmidt but spent most of his childhood in Xenia, Ohio. Don loved growing up in Xenia and what he called its "small town feel." He liked to joke that you couldn't get away with anything when he was a kid because everybody knew everybody. If he got in trouble at school, for example, his parents knew about it before he could even get home with a good cover story.

Don graduated from Carroll High School in Dayton, Ohio, and Wright State University in Dayton, where he majored in philosophy and economics. At Wright State, he was active in student affairs, and served a term as president of the Student Body Caucus. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976 and a Master of Science degree in 1977. Following graduation, Don launched a successful career in finance, first at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and then at Pratt & Whitney in Florida and Connecticut.

Don loved history, especially early American history. His ideal vacation was spent at an historic site or museum, such as Colonial Williamsburg or any place related to Abraham Lincoln. It is absolutely true that he and Lisa (he, enthusiastically; she, maybe less so) spent part of their honeymoon trudging through a field in Virginia to see where the amputated arm of Stonewall Jackson was reportedly buried in 1863.

He was also a voracious reader. Novels, biographies, non-fiction of all kinds, and magazines were included in his substantial home library. He also had an uncanny ability to remember much of what he read, earning him a reputation as everyone's favorite "phone a friend."

Don's love of sports was apparent to anyone who talked to him for more than a few minutes. His passion for sports started when he became a UK Wildcats basketball fan around the age of 5 and grew to include the Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds, UD Flyers, Wright State Raiders, and Dayton Dragons. If there was a game on, he'd try to watch it, religiously wearing the appropriate team shirt or hat on game day. He even managed to check in on almost every Reds game—all 162 of them.

Don loved classic cars, model trains, movies, and music of all genres and eras (although he swore the best music was made between the years of 1965-1975). He consumed vast amounts of news to keep up on current events and politics. Don loved a spirited debate on the issues and (generally) respected all points of view...as long as you could back up your opinions with reasoning and facts.

Don was a wonderful person — intelligent, funny, generous and always, completely 100% himself. He was a cherished husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Lisa; mother, Peggy Schmidt; children Leighann (Todd) Fullager, Laura Saddison, Sam (Robin) Schmidt, Katie (Daniel) Graham, and David (Casey) Schmidt; sister, Michele (Steve) Puterbaugh; nieces, Stevie Runyon, Bekah McCormick, and Abbey Jacobsen; "chosen brothers" Joe Mingo, Joe Shindell, and Charlie Goodrick; 14 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be missed more than we can say.

 A Celebration of Life is being planned by the family and will be held at a later date.