Norman James Schmidt, 88, passed away March 2, 2018 at Buhler Sunshine Meadows in Buhler, Kansas. He was born in St. John, Kansas on September 9, 1929, the son of William and Anna Schmidt. He was the owner/operator of the Schmidt Texaco Service Station in both Kinsley and Dodge City. He retired as a custom hay farmer in Turon, Kansas.

A veteran of the United States Navy, he taught his family the value of hard work and what it meant to provide for them. He was a proud member of both the VFW and American Legion. He served as a Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts, was a volunteer fireman, and served as mayor of Turon, Kansas. In earlier days he enjoyed playing golf and bowling. In the "off-seasons" he was a "jack of all trades" helping anyone that had a need.

He married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Smith, on June 5, 1955 in Pretty Prairie, Kansas. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2018.

Survivors include 3 sons, Bryan C. (Valerie) Schmidt, Gregg N. Schmidt, Wayne C. (Carla) Schmidt; 1 sister, Ellen Burnette; 1 sister in law, Sara Johnson-Smith; 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 son, Brent, 1 daughter, Staci, 7 brothers and sisters.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, March 09, 2018 at 10:30 AM at Old Mission – Heritage Funeral Home, 528 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas. Inurnment for both Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt will follow at Lonestar Cemetery, Pretty Prairie, Kansas with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF) and left in care of the funeral home.