Schmidt, Willard G. (1914-1970)

Latest revision as of 15:48, 12 January 2023

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1970 Nov 19 p. 8

Birth date: 1914 May 14

text of obituary:

— Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Goessel Mennonite Church for Willard G. Schmidt, 56, who died Nov. 10 at Houston, Tex. According to information received by family members at Goessel, Mr. Schmidt was fatally injured when struck by a car while walking on the road not far from his home, after his own car had stalled. A native of the Goessel community, he was a graduate of Bethel College,held a master's degree from the University of Arizona, and taught at Purdue University under a fellowship grant. Since 1939 he had been employed as a geophysicist by the Humble Oil Company in Houston. Survivors include his widow, a son Kenneth and daughters Barbara and Connie, all of the home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard Schmidt, and one sister, Mrs. Ernest Unruh, all of the Goessel community. Mr. Schmidt was active in a United Presbyterian Church in Houston, where a memorial service was held Nov. 11. Rev. Henry Goossen officiated at the service at Goessel.

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Jan 7 p. 11

text of obituary:

Willard G. Schmidt, son of Gerhard and Louise Lehrman Schmidt, was born May 14, 1914 at Goessel, Kan. He lost his life in a tragic car accident near his home in Houston, Texas early Tuesday morning, Nov. 10, 1970. He reached the age of 56 years, five months and 27 days.

Willard grew up in the Goessel community and graduated from Goessel High School with the class of '32. He graduated from Bethel College in 1936 and accepted a teaching fellowship at the University of Arizona, where he received his master's degree. For two years he had an assistantship in the Physics Department of Purdue University, Lafayette, ind. Since 1939 he had been employed as a geophysicist for the Humble Oil Company, at present in Houston, Texas.

He joined the Goessel Mennonite Church through baptism on May 24, 1931, with Rev. P. P. Buller officiating.

He was especially interested in music. While still in school he sang solos and was a member of singing groups such as quartets, chorus, and a cappella choir. He sang in church choirs most of his adult life. His favorite song was "How Great Thou Art." He was often heard singing this song at home.

He married Verna Anita Acree of Point, Louisiana on July 19, 1952. This union was blessed with two daughters and one son.

When his company transferred him to Houston four years ago he joined the Spring Branch Presbyterian Church and remained an active member until the time of his death. He served as Sunday school teacher and leader of youth groups. He was especially popular among the young people as a chaperone at their church camps. At the time of his death he was deacon-elect and had he lived would have been ordained to this office on Jan. 1.

He had a genuine interest in people and made friends wherever he went. He looked forward to his visits in Goessel and would look up friends, relatives and acquaintances at every opportunity. He was concerned about his parents and planned his visits so that he could be of help to them in the affairs of their home. This was a great comfort to them.

His hobby was gardening and he also took a great interest in sports. He spent many hours helping his children with their projects, and especially enjoyed cookouts with his family.

He leaves to mourn his widow, Verna; two daughters, Barbara and Connie, and one son, Kenneth, all of the home; his parents of Goessel; one sister, Mrs. Ernest (Ruth) Unruh of Route 2, Newton, as well as a host of relatives and friends.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Funeral services were held Monday morning, Oct. 11 [sic Nov. 11], in the Spring Branch Presbyterian Church in Houston, Texas, and in the Goessel Mennonite Church on Friday, Oct. 13 [sic Nov. 13], at 2 p.m. with Rev. Henry Goossen, pastor, officiating and Rev. H. B. Schmidt assisting. Interment was made in Goessel Church Cemetery. — The Family.