Rex Gary Schmidt

Schmidt, Rex Gary Mr. Schmidt was born in Mur-physboro, Iowa to Robert Aman-dus and Zoe Schmidt (nee Crouch) on September 16, 1910. He departed from his family and friends in Farmington, Missouri, on January 29, 2007, at the age of 96. Mr. Schmidt was preceded in death by his wife Frances Schmidt (nee Bates); his parents Robert and Zoe Schmidt; and two brothers, Don and Duane Schmidt; he is survived by his children Joan Thaxton (Bill) of Farmington, Ron Schmidt (Nancy) and Carol Waple (David) of Frederick, Maryland; a sister Ruth Hughes of St. Louis; brother Bob Schmidt of Vancou-ver, WA; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Schmidt worked for the Missouri Conservation Commis-sion from 1940 to 1950. He did design work for the original Conservationist magazine and, after serving in the Army during W.W. II, he was the chief pho-tographer for the magazine. In 1950 he joined theU. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington, D.C. and traveled from Alaska to American Somoa studying and capturing on film and canvas the story of fish, fowl and anim-als. In 1972 Mr. Schmidt retired from U.S. Government service and joined the North Carolina Wildlife Federation as Chief of the Educational Information De-partment, where he continued his work until 1991. For his work, he was named to the North Carolina Hall of Fame and received the Governor's Award in 1983. Mr. Schmidt was an avid collector of Mermaid mem-orabilia and wildlife paintings. He and his wife returned to Mis-souri in 1992. Mr. Schmidt con-tinued to be active speaking and showing slides and films to vari-ous organizations. He was active in The Society of Independent Artists in St. Louis, AARP, Audu-bon Society, Historical Society, Newcomers and Fifty-five Plus Club. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.Services: There will be no visi-tation. Mr. Schmidt was cre-mated and a private celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Farmington Presbyterian Manor Hospice or the Farming-ton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. Arrangements under the direction of C.Z. BOYER & SON, BONNE TERRE.