Frank Schmidt, 95, passed away on March 20, 2026, at Bethel Home in Montezuma. He was born on July 24, 1930 in Cochron County, Texas, to Andrew and Eva Schmidt.

Dad was born in West Texas, but his childhood roots grew deep in Louisiana, where he spent most of his early years. On February 28, 1942, he was baptized in Deridder, Louisiana by Minister F.C. Fricke-an early milestone in a faith journey that would continue to shape his life.

As a young man, he traveled to California for work, and it was there that he met the love of his life-our mother. They married in Montezuma, Kansas on October 30, 1955, beginning a partnership that carried them through decades of hard work, family, and devotion.

After marrying, Dad and Mom returned to Louisiana, where Dad drove a milk truck for several years and where their three sons were born. Eventually, the family moved back to Kansas, where their two daughters joined the family and Dad worked for various farmers in the area. Some of our fondest memories are of riding along with him on the tractor-simple moments that felt like grand adventures to us as children.

We always knew Dad as a hardworking man. He rose early, worked late, and did whatever was needed to provide for his family. Though he faced struggles in his Christian walk, later in life he made a renewed commitment to the Lord and remained faithful until the end.

After Mom passed away, Dad found new purpose in mowing lawns around Montezuma, a job he genuinely enjoyed. He also cherished his evenings at the Copeland Café, sharing meals and conversation with friends. Truthfully, Dad never met a stranger-he loved people, and people loved talking with him.

Those left to cherish the memories his children, Rositta Dilbeck of Mustang, Oklahoma, Dewayne Schmidt of Wichita, ; Cecil Schmidt and wife Mary of Spearville, Willie Schmidt of Macon, Mississippi, and, Karla Garrison of Lawton, Oklahoma; siblings, Louie Schmidt and wife Marge of De Ridder, Louisiana, Nina Schmidt of De Ridder, Louisiana, and Jonathan Schmidt and wife Lillian of Virginia; 13 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Louise Schmidt; his parents; six siblings; one son-in-law, Dennis Dilbeck; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Schmidt; and three great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Montezuma Mennonite Church with burial following at the church cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, March 21, 2026 from noon to 3:00 P.M. at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Montezuma. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.