Melvin A. “Mep” Schmidt, 88, Hays, died Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Via Christi Village.
He was born April 19, 1933, in Schoenchen the eleventh of thirteen children of Alex and Josephine (Werth) Schmidt. He was a graduate of Schoenchen High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. On November 5, 1955, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Mermis in Hays, and they were married 57 years before she preceded him in death on May 19, 2013. Melvin loved his life as a farmer and cattleman. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and the Schoenchen Third Degree Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed dancing, sports, and playing Pinochle. Mep had a warm smile and enjoyed talking with everyone. He loved his wife and family, possessed a strong faith, and was a man of his word with strong values.
Survivors include his two sons: Neal Schmidt and wife Mary Jo of Center Valley, PA and Jeff Schmidt of Hays, a daughter-in-law: Sue Schmidt of Hays, a brother: Francis Schmidt and wife Ann of Longmont, CO, a sister-in-law: Betty Schmidt of Hays, three grandsons: Scott Schmidt and wife Rachel, Kyle Schmidt and Quinn Schmidt, a great grandson: Carter Schmidt, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Ellen, son Steve Schmidt, brothers: Edwin, Walter, John, Irvin, and Aloysius, and sisters: Armella Miller, Rose Schmidt, Barbara Basgall, Bertha Stary, Josephine Haselhorst, and Delores VanOudenhoven.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Private family inurnment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 5:30 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 10:15 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:00 pm on Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the TMP-Marian Sports Booster Club. Condolences and memories of Melvin may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com