Clarence Eugene Schmidt, 85, of Caldwell, Kansas, farmer and businessman peacefully passed away Monday, July 19, 2021 at the Caldwell Hospital.
He was born the son of Lawrence W. and Anna Elizabeth (Linnebur) Schmidt on April 30, 1936 in Caldwell, Kansas.
Clarence graduated from Caldwell High School in 1954. In 1958, Clarence graduated from Kansas State University in Agricultural Economics in August, completed basic training for the Air National Guard reconnaissance unit by October, and married the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” O’Meara on October 29th.
Clarence was a dedicated and innovative farmer. He and his brother Robert “Shorty” operated S&S Feeders, north of Caldwell, Kansas. They built the feed mill from the ground up, and operated it to the benefit of the area farmers and ranchers for 45 years. Clarence’s passion was farming with his family, and nurturing them both as they grew. Clarence was an avid fan of college sports, always rooting for KSU. He developed a keen interest in following collegiate women’s sports.
Clarence was a member of St Martin’s Catholic Church, where he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight, and active on the parish council.
Clarence never met a stranger and always had a story to tell. He was a great mentor, friend, brother, uncle, father and grandpa. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Schmidt, sister Berniece Boerstler, brother-in-law Wesley Helena, daughter Susan Dvorak, and grandson Landon Schmidt.
Survivors include his wife Patricia Schmidt, of Caldwell, Kansas; children Kathleen Brown (Eric), Dennis Schmidt (Amy), Greg Schmidt, Matthew Schmidt (Kirshell); son-in-law Kyle Dvorak; grandchildren Zachery Brown (Kerianne), Wesley Brown (Ashley), Caroline Privitera (Carl), Abigail Brown, Aaron Schmidt (Jen), Dalton Schmidt (fiancée Madeline Sipes), Trevor Schmidt, Megan Schmidt (finacee Sidy Bah), Leah Tweeten (Tyler), Jode Lebeda, Kati Teeter (Mason), Shae Wilson (Brandon), Megg Lebeda, Emrys Schmidt, Corvus Schmidt; ten great-grandchilden: Scarlett, Tripton and Pierce Brown, Scarlet and Archie Schmidt, Liliana, Sylvester and Josephine Privitera, Greyson and Willow Teeter; siblings Marvin Schmidt (Linda), Leon Schmidt (Linda Hughet), Genevieve Mash (James), Steve Schmidt (Lori), Barbara Helena; brother-in-law Philip Boerstler; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm Thursday, July 22 at St Martin’s Catholic Church and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, July 23 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, officiated by Father Thomas Hoisington. Interment will follow in the Caldwell City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Sumner County District #1 Hospital Construction Fund and sent in care of the mortuary.
