Donald Eldon Schmidt

SCHMIDT, Donald E
Age 82, of West Alexandria, passed away May 7, 2016. Born on May 21, 1933 in Ansonia, Ohio to the late Harold and Nora Schmidt and a 1951 graduate of Lewisburg High School, Don served in the US Army from 1953 to 1961, including 2 yrs in the Korean War. He retired from the Palladium-Item after 37 years of service, then owned & operated Kesling’sLoft (ceramic shop) with his wife Lynnette, and eventually retired from Tri-County North at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lynnette (Kesling); daughters Ann (Corey) Mangan of Lewisburg, Amy (Dave) Padgett of Cincinnati, and Angie (Kris) Schmidt of Ostrander; sister Judy Schmidt of Lewisburg; grandchildren Ben & Kelsey Mangan and Makenzie & Dylan Padgett; and numerous other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles and sisters Edith Cool and Kay Frazee. Don was a volunteer fireman with the Lewisburg Fire Dept and was a dedicated member of and served numerous committees for St. John Church. He also was active in his daughters’ and grandchildren’s school activities, Band Parents, 4-H and was well known for his homemade apple butter. Don had an amazing commitment to family traditions and community involvement. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 10 from 5-7pm at St John Church in West Alexandria, OH. Funeral services will be held 11am on Wednesday, May 11 at St John Church with Pastor Mark Moore officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Donald’s name to St. John Church or Preble County Council on Aging.