Montezuma - John Ervie Schmidt was called to his heavenly home early Tuesday morning, May 9, 2017 Dad, also fondly known as "Papa John" as many of our childhood friends still call him, was 92 years old. He was born August 9, 1924 to Ben and Susie Schmidt of Montezuma, the 11th of 13 siblings. Dad loved the Lord and was ready to meet his maker, "just not today" he had told a visitor just a few days before he passed away. Dad was baptized December 17, 1950 by Minister Frank Haynes.

Dad spent some time in Europe after being drafted into the army in August 28th 1944. He had been told he would be a truck driver hauling rations and supplies for the 3rd military regiment, but was handed a gun and put on the front lines as he exited the ship. Dad was very proud of the fact that never fired a shot from that gun. His faith in God carried him through the battlefield. He received the purple heart after being shot while delivering German prisoners to a prison camp. He and his army regiment removed priceless paintings and bags of gold from a cave which belonged to Hitler.

When Dad returned home from the war he met and married Ruby Long and in 1955 moved to Michigan where he farmed and built homes along with his cousin Melvin Unruh. In 1973 he moved to Arkansas to raise cattle which a long time dream. When he retired in 1993 he decided he wanted to return to his childhood home of Montezuma Kansas.

Dad enjoyed rebuilding friendships with his childhood friends and family upon his return to Montezuma. Dad enjoyed his days out on the lakes with his brother Harry fishing and telling stories about the one that got away. Dad LOVED his biscuits and gravy which he always ordered at the diner, with the breakfast crowd. He was active member of the Church which he loved.

Dad had a quiet loving spirit, but a sense of humor that would catch you off guard. He was a gentle man, but had a firm hand when needed. His faith brought him through many trials in life, which made him a stronger Christian and strengthening his belief in God.

Those left with loving memories are his children; Johnny (Ed) Schmidt of Conway, Arkansas, Susan Russell of Montezuma, Ronnie Schmidt and wife Debbie of Maui, Hawaii, Diane Colburn and husband Steven, of Coldspring, Texas, and Sam Schmidt of Dover, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, Ed's children Donnie, Shawna , & Russell Schmidt, Susan's children, Damian, Peter, Jacob and Joseph Brum, and Diane's child, Joshua Edwards; 10 great grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth Koehn; and one brother, Ben Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Elmer, Jesse, Edwin, and Harry; and five sisters, Mabel, Hannah, Leona, Dessie, Luella, and Irene.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Saturday May 13, 2017 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Charles Schmidt, Kavin Salsbury, and Craig Koehn presiding. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Friday May 12, 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.