ERWIN SCHMIDT Obituary

LTC Erwin Augustus "Dutch" Schmidt II completed his tour of duty here on Earth on September 11, 2013. Dutch was born on March 1, 1934, to Erwin and Lila Schmidt in San Antonio, Texas. He was raised primarily in San Angelo. His love of science led him to study zoology at the University of Texas at Austin. As a graduate student, he worked in groundbreaking research studying the DNA of the fruit fly. He began a distinguished military career in 1959. He was the commander of the 191st Assault Helicopter Company in Dong Tam, Vietnam. Included among his many awards were the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster. He was once featured in Stars and Stripes for an innovative act of bravery that resulted in the rescue of fellow soldiers. After the military, Dutch started a repair business for exotic cars where he was happiest breathing life into a Jaguar or an Alpha Romeo. Dutch loved well engineered cars, happy tail-wagging dogs, his country, his Church, and most of all, his loving wife, Barbara. Dutch also loved astronomy and built many sophisticated telescopes and even had an observatory constructed in his back yard. In addition to Barbara, he leaves behind his brother Jack Schmidt, sister-in-law Rose; sister Gayle Butler and brother-in-law Henry. His children are Lynda Gayle; Gus and Carrie Schmidt; Bob and Darci Schmidt; Steven and Debbie Schmidt; and sweet Mickey, his youngest son. In addition he leaves behind grandchildren Brian, Zachary, Haley, Taylor, Susan and Helen, and two great grandchildren Mia and Hans. Services will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 10:00 AM with a reception to follow at 11:00 AM at St. Marks United Methodist Church, 5555 Love Road. Inurnment will follow after reception at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the SPCA, or to El Paso Rescue Mission (915) 532-2575. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912. www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com El Paso's Star on the mountains will shine with special brightness on Friday, September 27, 2013. Many people have contributed to light the star in tribute to the late Colonel Schmidt. Next time you are star gazing, look to the western sky and if you squint just right, you should be able to see a star formation that resembles a tough-as-nails soldier sneaking treats to his dog? and just know that Dutch is patrolling the skies once again.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by El Paso Times from Sep. 23 to Oct. 2, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for ERWIN SCHMIDT

6 Entries

Mike Halpin

December 10, 2013

Dutch - I will miss our lively get-togethers in the Northex at St Mark's. I will always remember you as a dedicated man and public servant, as well as God's servant. Your love for St Marks and the good it did for so many is already legendary. I shall also always relish the fact that you and I also served this great country in the uniforms it provided us, and somehow, we both managed to make Lt Colonel before we were done. We will always have that in common. Rest in His loving arms for eternity, my friend. I miss you.

Mike Casey

September 25, 2013

Col. Schmidt,
Sir,I would just like to say thank you for your years of dedicated service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the U.S. Army-especially during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Kimberly Ray

September 24, 2013

Our sincere condolences to the family. Just the other day as I was cleaning out some boxes, I found one of the crosses that Dutch had made for us during confirmation. These have always been special but now they truly have new meaning. Prayers to you all.

September 24, 2013

I shall miss Erwin. We grew up in San Angelo together and had plenty of good times. I know of his health issues during past several years and was amazed at his courage in fighting back.
my sincere condolances to Jakc and Gayle and the family.
Bill Vaughan
Houston, Tx

September 24, 2013

Your dads life is a celebration of a hero
who fought for our country's freedom. These men of valor need to be recognized for what they did. God Bless Les and Tome Landis

Regina Mack

September 24, 2013

My condolences to Barbara and the family. Dutch was a great man who had a great faith and a wonderful testimony! I enjoyed working with him when we were both Care Chaplains at St. Mark's. He made a difference in our daughter Rachael's life when we first moved to El Paso, as he welcomed her into his Bible class, as she was going through a difficult time making the transition to living in a new city and state. I am sad and also happy that we will meet again in Heaven. Godspeed, my friend!

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results