Eddie Gene Schmidt

Eddie Gene Schmidt, age 90, of Sullivan, MO, passed away Monday, April 8, 2019 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, surrounded by his family. 

Eddie Gene was born on July 28, 1928 at Elmont, MO, the son of Charles Henry and Maude Alice (Blankenship) Schmidt. He attended Miller School and graduated from Sullivan High School, class of 1945, where he was the class president. As a young man, Eddie Gene went to work for Modern Garage for a time. He then entered the United States Army, where he served in the 82nd Air Borne and was stationed at Fort Bragg. After his military service, he returned to work at Modern Garage. Eddie Gene was united in marriage to Verna May Dace on November 14, 1953 and they were blessed with four children:  Danny, Sally, Dennis and Ellen. In the spring of 1954, Eddie Gene and his brother, Harold, purchased Modern Garage. In 1982, Eddie Gene and Verna May bought Harold’s share in the business. In 1994, Eddie and Verna sold the business to their son and his wife, Danny and Sandy Schmidt. This allowed Eddie Gene to focus on farming and cattle, which he enjoyed very much. 

Eddie Gene’s faith was the foundation of his life. He was saved and loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Sullivan. First and foremost, he was a family man. He also loved spending time with his grandkids. Eddie Gene and Verna May, along with their family, spent many summer vacations at their cabin in Canada. They also enjoyed playing pinochle with their friends.  In his younger days, Eddie Gene was active with the local Khoury League Baseball, and served as treasurer for several years. He was a kind and honest man, well respected by his family, business family and many friends

Eddie Gene is survived by his wife, Verna May (Dace) Schmidt of Sullivan, MO; four children, Danny Schmidt and wife, Sandra, of Sullivan, MO, Sally Farrell and husband, J.B., of Sullivan, MO, Dennis Schmidt and wife, Mendy, of Sullivan, MO, and Ellen Woodruff and husband, Rob, of O’ Fallon, MO; 9 grandchildren, Heather Winkelman and husband, Jack, of Imperial, MO, Emily Hardy and husband, J.T., of Sullivan, MO, Rachel Chaney and husband, Darin, of Sullivan, MO, Lydia Leigh and husband, Tim, of St. Peters, MO, Alison Revelle and husband, Josh, of Sullivan, MO, Jared Schmidt and wife, Abby, of Sullivan, MO, Ross Farrell and wife, Mallory, of Sullivan, MO, Charley Schmidt of Sullivan, and Paige Woodruff of O’Fallon, MO;  16 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Don Dace of Bourbon, MO; one sister-in-law, Peggy Schmidt of Sullivan, MO; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Maude (Blankenship) Schmidt; six brothers, Russell Schmidt, Earl Schmidt, Hadley Schmidt, Harold Schmidt, Roscoe Schmidt and Jimmie Dean Schmidt; an infant sister, and 3 additional sisters, Ava Lindsey Owens, Anita Cartwright and Ruth Stevens.

Funeral services were conducted 10 a.m., Saturday, April 13, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Sullivan, with Pastor Chester Lahmann as the officiant. Interment followed in Schmidt Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Sullivan. 

Memorial contributions may be made to:  First Baptist Church Building Fund. 

All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan & Bourbon, MO.