Joseph Schmidt

Joseph T. Schmidt


Blythe, GA  – Joseph Thomas Schmidt, 70, entered into rest Saturday evening , October 5, 2013 at his residence. Funeral services will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 3:00PM with Dr. Earl Richards officiating. Private interment will follow on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 in the Georgia Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville GA.

Joe grew up and lived in Bloomdale OH until joining the Navy. He was a true patriot serving in both the Navy and the Marines. He loved animals, being outside, and working in the garden. Joe was a giving person, always looking out for others.  He was a quiet, devoted friend who will be greatly missed.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Walter Schmidt. Those left to mourn his passing are his sister, Judith Webb; niece, Shannon Shure (Larry); nephew, Bryan Webb; and his many friends and extended family at Savannah Square Personal Care Home.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 from 1:00–3:00 PM prior to funeral services.

Heartfelt thanks is extended to Chuck and Jerry Reeves and the staff at Savannah Square Personal Care Home for their loving care and support over the last 17 years.
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Biography Data Written By Judith Webb, Sister:

Joseph Thomas Schmidt was born into a military family on October 23rd, 1942 in Toledo, Ohio. His sister Judith was born a year later and soon after their father was killed in action in WWII. He and his sister were placed in an Orphanage and later adopted by Florence and Walter Schmidt and brought home to live in Bloomdale, Ohio.  He grew up in a Christian home and grew to love music, playing outdoors, riding his bike and enjoying the freedom of a small town in the 50's.  Winters in NW Ohio brought snow and what fun he had building snow forts and having snow ball battles.

He had a very loving disposition, was always willing to help with whatever chores needing doing, and was very happy when he could do something for someone else.  Joe was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout and liked camping.

Joe liked to play cowboys and also had a talent to play the drums.  He played in the high school marching band.  He had a wonderful voice and sang with his sister in church and also sang solos in school music productions.  Joe was a member of the Bloomdale Methodist Church and attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and Church Youth Camps.

Joe built a Whizzer from his bicycle and would ride all over town with his friends.  He liked to go on short runs with a couple of local truck drivers in the summer, and would go fishing with his Uncle in his small boat on a lake near his home.

Joe joined the Navy after school and was stationed on several large ships in the early 60's. After leaving the Navy, he was married for a few years and when that was over he joined the Marines.  He went into VA care and was lucky to be eventually placed in the loving care of Chuck and Jerry Reeves.  He spent over 17 years in their beautiful home in Blythe, GA with other service men and enjoyed their companionship.  He had many Blessings including the love of his family, Nephew Bryan and Niece Shannon who will keep him in their hearts always.

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I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free.
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things I, too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all too brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

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