Montezuma – Our dear brother, Donald Dean Schmidt, was born to Norman and Caroline Schmidt, on July 28, 1950 at Bethel Home in Montezuma.  God called him to his heavenly home on December 17, 2017 at the age of 67.

The youngest of nine children, Don brought joy and laughter to our hearts.  In Don's early years, our mother faithfully provided transportation for Don to attend special education schooling in Garden City.

Don had a deep love and commitment for Jesus.  He expressed his love through prayers and songs.

Don enjoyed driving his four-wheeler with the neon orange banner waving in the breeze.  He enjoyed traveling the sandy roads visiting his brothers, sisters, and neighbors.  Don loved working on the farm, loading hay bales and fixing fence with his Daddy.  He also was able to drive the truck from the field to home on a few occasions.  One of Don's jobs was being employed by his brother Vernon during harvest.  He was proud of the paycheck.  He wouldn't miss a day of work!  Don was loyal to his farm chores of feeding and watering his chickens and sheep.

Don joined Ralph and Virginia's family in 1971, when Mom and Dad went to serve in Gallup Children's Home and various other mission projects.

In 2003, Don moved to Bethel Home to a self-care apartment, where he could be close to his mommy.  In 2011, Don made another move into full care at Bethel Home. Here, the staff and residents truly became Don's family.  He loved each and everyone unconditionally.

Don is lovingly remembered by his brothers, Earl Schmidt and wife Johanna of El Campo, Texas and Lloyd Schmidt and wife Phyllis of Ingalls; his sisters, Norma Caldwell of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Josie Schultz of Montezuma, Rose Wedel and husband Verlin of Loveland, Colorado, Ruby Buller and husband Galen of Halstead, and Virginia Dirks and husband Ralph of Wingo, Kentucky; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Pearl Nadine; a brother, Vernon and wife JoAnn; and brothers-in-law, Elvin Caldwell and Tobie Schultz.

Funeral service will be held at Living Hope Mennonite Church, Ingalls on Thursday December 21, 2017 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Stan Smith and James Koehn presiding.  Burial will follow at Living Hope Mennonite Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM..  Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.