Willie H. Schmidt

Willie H. Schmidt, 83, of Brenham left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Colonial Bell Nursing Home in Bellville.

Willie was born August 23, 1926 to Willie F. and Rosa (Hensen) Schmidt. He was baptized and received his first communion at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. On April 2, 1950, Willie was confirmed at Salem Lutheran Church of Salem, where he held his membership.

He attended Brenham Public Schools and Blinn College. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Pacific Campaign, 1945 to 1946. On April 22, 1950, Willie married the love of his life, Lillie Mae Draehn at Salem Lutheran Church. He had missed her dearly since her death. Willie enjoyed repairing and restoring tractors. He was the owner of Schmidt Tractor for 32 years, until his recent illness.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife of 58 years, Lillie Mae Schmidt; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Milton Sawyer; brother, Leon Schmidt; sister, Alice Schmidt, brothers-in-law, Jimmy Draehn, Elwood Draehn; nephews, William Draehn, Russell Draehn and Butch Sawyer.

His loving family includes: sons, Roy William Schmidt, Darrell Wayne Schmidt and wife Michelle; daughter, Janice Lynn Hanath and husband Bradley; grandsons, Brandon Lee Hanath and fiancé Kaylyn Lehmann, Wyatt Lee Hanath and Austin Lee Hanath; step-grandchildren, Matt Wise, Sarah Wise and Sam Reeves; step-great-grandchildren, Haley and Madison Wise, Trae, Mylo and Max Reeves; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Willie and Marjorie Draehn, Roger and Joyce Draehn, Glenn Draehn, Deloris Draehn, Lee and Hannah Draehn, Luther and Evelyn Draehn, Gene and Jo Ann Draehn, Allan and Peggy Draehn; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Dianne and Ted Sager, Geraldine and Edward Rybarski; along with nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Salem with Pastor Charles H. Parnell officiating.
Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers are Sam Reeves, Royce Draehn, Troy Draehn, Scott Rybarski, Patrick Draehn, Jason Draehn, Todd Sager and Craig Sager. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons Brandon Hanath, Wyatt Hanath, Austin Hanath, Matt Wise and friends Willie and Shirley Schwarze, Roe and Sue Weinschenk, Bennie and Gloria Hanath and Robert Brown.

Memorials may be given to Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund or Hospice-Brazos Valley.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX. 979.836.3611 www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com