Schmidt, Ernest F. (1913-1959)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 4 Feb 1960 p. 8

Birth date: 1913 Jan 11

text of obituary:

ERNEST F. SCHMIDT

Ernest F. Schmidt, son of Mrs. Marie M. Schmidt and the late Henry B. Schmidt, was born on a farm near Cordell, Okla. on Jan. 11, 1913. He attended the M. K. T. and Grandview district school, and also Cloud Chief High school and Corn Bible academy.

During World War II he entered Civilian Public Service and was sent to Camp Snowline, Camino, Calif. Later he was transferred to Winnebago, Wis. where he served as an attendant in a hospital. He served in CPS for nearly four years.

In the spring of 1943 Ernest came home on leave and on May 25 he was married to Miss Carolina Schmidt of Cordell. Both went back to California.

After his discharge from service Ernest and his wife made their home at Cordell for a number of years and there a son John, was born to them. During their stay at Cordell, Ernest was employed by the Bartel Parts and Machine shop. During the early part of 1951 they left Cordell and made their home to Pampa, Texas. there he was employed by Jones-Everett machine company as machinist.

During most of his life Ernest was fairly healthy but about a year ago he became ill and since then he had to be careful.

In early manhood Ernest gave his heart to the Lord and Saviour. He was baptized on confession of his faith by Rev. A. W. Froese and became a member of the Sichar Mennonite church, and since then he had been active as a church worker. Later the Sichar congregation disbanded and he and his wife joined the Herald Mennonite church. After establishing a home in Pampa they became members of the Church of the Brethren.

On Sunday, Dec. 20, he attended Sunday school and church services as usual, and toward evening joined the Pampa Pilgrimage to the church where a Christmas program was to follow. When it was time for his class to take part Ernest made a few remarks of explanation, went behind the curtain, and the class began with their number. Suddenly the sound of someone falling was heard. Those reaching him first made every effort to help him but to no avail. An ambulance took him to the hospital, but he had gone to be with his Lord and Saviour.

Ernest reached the age of 46 years. He leaves his wife and son John of the home address; his mother; one brother, Rudolf and wife of Cordell, one niece and two nephews, besides many other relatives and friends.

A short service was held at the Church of the Brethren at Pampa the forenoon of Dec. 23. The body was then taken to the Herold church and after a short service, interment was made in the church cemetery. — The Family.