In Memory Of
Retired Colonelgeraldw. Schmidt
1925
2015
Retired Colonelgeraldw. Schmidt
October 20, 1925 — December 12, 2015
Retired Colonel Gerald W. Schmidt, 90, Topeka, died Saturday, December 12, 2015 with his family by his side.
He was born October 20, 1925 in Russell, Kansas, the son of Adam and Amelia Schmidt. He lived primarily in Topeka or Wichita since 1946.
Colonel Schmidt entered military service by enlisting in the Army Air Corps on October 2, 1943. During World War II he served as an Aerial Gunner on a Liberator (B-24) in the China, Burma and India Theatre of Operations. He was released from active duty on January 8, 1946.
On November 4, 1946, he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard and served in several units in the Topeka area until October 21, 1950, at which time he was mobilized into active Federal service with the 174th Military Police Battalion. During that Korean Crises he served as a Military Police Officer in Korea and Japan. He again was released from active duty on November 4, 1953.
He returned to Topeka and served on the Staff of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas and he held several assignments within the State Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment. He served as the Detachment Commander from 1955 to 1964. His other military assignments on the State Staff prior to retirement on October 31, 1980, included the positions of Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel; Provost Marshal; and as Comptroller.
Except for the three years that Colonel Schmidt served on active duty during the Korean conflict, he was employed in The Adjutant General's Department from October 1946 until October 1980. His civilian positions were as the Military Personnel Officer and then later as the Technician Personnel Officer for the Kansas Army and Air National Guard.
Colonel Schmidt's military decoration include the Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Commendation Ribbon with Pendant, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation and numerous other service awards and campaign medals.
He was a life member of both the National Guard Association of the United States and of the State of Kansas, and a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Survivors include sons, Ronald W. Schmidt, Kansas City, Michael R. Schmidt (Evelyn Richter), Topeka; daughters, Melanie K. Trapp (Craig), Topeka, Lisa L. Wilson (Andrew), Kansas City, MO; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and dear friend, Edna Koehler. He was preceded in death by four sisters; ex-wife, Alta Louise Schmidt; and daughter-in-law, Deborah Schmidt.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Burial with Military honors will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Colonel Schmidt will lie in state at the funeral home after 1:00 p.m. on Friday and visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604-3720 or Kansas City Retired Greyhounds As Pets, PO Box 27014, Overland Park, KS 66215.
To leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born October 20, 1925 in Russell, Kansas, the son of Adam and Amelia Schmidt. He lived primarily in Topeka or Wichita since 1946.
Colonel Schmidt entered military service by enlisting in the Army Air Corps on October 2, 1943. During World War II he served as an Aerial Gunner on a Liberator (B-24) in the China, Burma and India Theatre of Operations. He was released from active duty on January 8, 1946.
On November 4, 1946, he enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard and served in several units in the Topeka area until October 21, 1950, at which time he was mobilized into active Federal service with the 174th Military Police Battalion. During that Korean Crises he served as a Military Police Officer in Korea and Japan. He again was released from active duty on November 4, 1953.
He returned to Topeka and served on the Staff of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas and he held several assignments within the State Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment. He served as the Detachment Commander from 1955 to 1964. His other military assignments on the State Staff prior to retirement on October 31, 1980, included the positions of Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel; Provost Marshal; and as Comptroller.
Except for the three years that Colonel Schmidt served on active duty during the Korean conflict, he was employed in The Adjutant General's Department from October 1946 until October 1980. His civilian positions were as the Military Personnel Officer and then later as the Technician Personnel Officer for the Kansas Army and Air National Guard.
Colonel Schmidt's military decoration include the Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Commendation Ribbon with Pendant, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation and numerous other service awards and campaign medals.
He was a life member of both the National Guard Association of the United States and of the State of Kansas, and a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.
Survivors include sons, Ronald W. Schmidt, Kansas City, Michael R. Schmidt (Evelyn Richter), Topeka; daughters, Melanie K. Trapp (Craig), Topeka, Lisa L. Wilson (Andrew), Kansas City, MO; 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and dear friend, Edna Koehler. He was preceded in death by four sisters; ex-wife, Alta Louise Schmidt; and daughter-in-law, Deborah Schmidt.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road. Burial with Military honors will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery. Colonel Schmidt will lie in state at the funeral home after 1:00 p.m. on Friday and visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS 66604-3720 or Kansas City Retired Greyhounds As Pets, PO Box 27014, Overland Park, KS 66215.
To leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Retired Colonelgeraldw. Schmidt, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Saturday, December 19, 2015
9:00 - 10:00 am (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
Service
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
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