Eldon Schmidt Obituary

Our father, Eldon Eugene Schmidt, 85, of Clarksdale, Mississippi passed away peacefully at Oakwood Manor, Brooksville, Mississippi, in the early morning hours of January 3, 2025, with his family gathered by his bedside. Dad was born to Ivan and Ida Unruh Schmidt on March 17, 1939, in Merced, California. He spent his early years in California until his family moved to Fredonia, Kansas when he was 11. As a young man, dad gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister Frank Haynes, the same minister that baptized his parents. He cherished this faith throughout his life. Dad loved the Bible. He spent many hours reading and later listening to it. He often shared verses, using them to encourage others. Dad served his voluntary service in Denver, Colorado before moving to Clarksdale, Mississippi as a single man to work for Ivan Koehn in the land leveling business. He eventually became a farmer, an occupation he enjoyed until his retirement. He always loved Mississippi and thought everyone else should too! On March 24, 1968, Dad married our mom, Winifred Ruth Shultz. They shared 41 wonderful years of marriage together until her passing in 2009. Dad admired Mom deeply and treasured their time together. Dad loved to travel. As a young man he spent six months touring Europe and later shared his love of travel with mom, going back to Europe, the Holy Lands, Brazil, Mexico, and other destinations. As a family, we remember many trips together with the focus being to see "the wonders of Nature", creating many vivid memories to this day. Dad taught us many things, often instructing us through quotes that are often repeated yet today. His grandchildren were taught many lessons in this way too, and those will be a guiding light to them throughout their lives. He had a gift of connecting with people, whether through long conversations, phone calls, or through acts of generosity and listening. When his eyesight began to fail, Dad moved to Oakwood Manor, where he was warmly embraced and lovingly cared for by staff and fellow residents. He is survived by his children, John and Melanie Schmidt, Wellington, Colorado, Carol and Mark Gable, Cynthia and Greg Schmidt, Catherine and Russ Koehn all of Clarksdale. He is also survived by seven granddaughters, 6 grandsons, 1 grandson in law, and Jacqueline Precht, Phoenix, Arizona. Eldon leaves behind five brothers, Roland, Ray and Gwendene, Richard and Jane, Eddie and Letha, sister-in-law Maxine, and Roger; as well as brothers-in-law James and Maxine Shultz, and Steve and Lillian Shultz, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Winifred, his parents, his sister Mary Ellen, brother Don and sister-in-law Geneva, brother Dale and sister-in-law Kathy. All of whom he was anxious to be reunited with. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Oakwood Manor for the compassionate care provided to our dad in his final years. When dad moved there, he said- Oakwood is my home so I'm gonna make it my home! And he truly did. He always told us what a good place it was to be. He made many new friends. We children did too, and we will miss seeing our friends there. Memorial donations may be made to Oakwood Manor or Clarksdale Mennonite School. Dads' legacy of faith, love, generosity, and courage will continue to inspire all who knew him. Although we will miss his presence in our lives, we are grateful that he is gloriously whole again.
Visitation will be held Monday, January 6, 2025, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at Clarksdale Mennonite Church of God in Christ with memories being shared following from 7:30 - 8:30 PM. Funeral service will be Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Clarksdale Mennonite Church of God in Christ with burial to follow at the Clarksdale Mennonite Cemetery.
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