Carl Samuel Schmidt

Carl Samuel Schmidt, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024, at the age of 90. He was born on November 13, 1933, in Dobrowolski/Jourdanton, Texas.

Family was a priority in Carl’s life. He met his late wife, Margie, and they married in 1960. They moved from San Antonio to Corpus Christi in 1966 and then to Calallen in 1970 where they lived until moving to Sandia. Margie passed away in 2010. They had 50 wonderful years together raising children, dancing and spending time with family and friends. 

In 2012, Carl married Sara Beth Sells. They spent most of their years together traveling, dancing and spending time with family. We often referred to them as “city mouse” and “country mouse” because two totally different life styles came together to make one. 

Carl was a dedicated self-employed businessman, running Schmidt Commercial Refrigeration with a commitment and diligence that earned him respect in his field. His professionalism was matched only by the warmth and kindness he showed to those he worked with, making lasting relationships throughout his career. He was also a member at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Orange Grove.

Beyond his career, Carl had a zest for life that was contagious. He found joy in dancing, relished watching high school football and baseball games, and spent countless hours enjoying old westerns and watching Wheel of Fortune. His love for motorcycles was well-known, and he took great pleasure in watching the wildlife at his home in Sandia, as well as savoring a fine Scotch. Carl’s favorite color was blue and those who knew him will always remember him not only for his interests but for the bluest eyes in Texas that twinkled with humor and kindness. 

Through the years a beautiful family was created and so was a loving home filled with laughter and cherished memories. He is survived by his wife, Sara Beth Schmidt; children: Laura White, Debbie Bliss, Katina Gower (Randy), Carl Schmidt, Edie Crawford (Robert), Paul Schmidt (Robin), and Eric Schmidt (Lisa). In the joy of family gatherings, they embraced him as their pillar of strength and guidance.

His legacy continues in his grandchildren, James (Laura), Greg, David (Debbie), Nicole, Joshua (Katina), Bailey (Carl), Shalena, Shane (Edie), Laiken, Ethan (Paul), Ross Michael, Joseph, Maddie, Jacob, and Lucas (Eric), along with several great-grandchildren who adored him.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Ida Schmidt; his wife, Margie Schmidt; and his brothers and sisters, Walter, Alton, Edward, Edmund, George, Herman, Elvira, Alma, Helen, and Heartha. 

As we gather to celebrate Carl’s life, we will remember the laughter, generosity, and unconditional love he shared with us all. A visitation for family and friends will be held on September 23, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sawyer-George Funeral Home in Corpus Christi, Texas. The funeral service will take place the following day, September 24, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Faith Church in Orange Grove, Texas, followed by interment at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 2:30 PM.

Pallbearers for the services will be: James Leinweber, Greg Bliss, David Bliss, Joshua Cordy, Shane Crawford, Ethan Schmidt, Ross Michael Schmidt and Joseph Schmidt. Honorary Pallbearers for the services will be: Bobby Chestnut, J.D. Duncan, Bobby Gallagher, Duane McAllister, Jerry McWhooter, Arlen Pruett, Joe Zaruba and Clyde McClintock. 

A special thanks to those that took care of and loved on our Dad/Carl: Rachel Peña, Rose Kraatz, Emily Phelps, Arora De La Cruz and Lane Kilbourn.

The family invites everyone to wear a shade of blue and to know that blue jeans are acceptable as those are what Carl most commonly wore. In lieu of flowers, Carl has kindly asked to donate to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.