Melvin James 'Mel' Schmidt age, 75, of Victoria, Kansas, passed away at his home on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
He was born June 23, 1950, in Hays, Kansas, to Wendelin F. and Pauline (Urban) Schmidt. He married Connie (Berger) on May 17, 1975, at Hays, Kansas.
He owned and operated S & S Supply Company INC, formerly known as Schmidtberger Supply in Hays, Kansas. Mel started working for his brother-in-law after high school, and in 1993, Mel and his brother Gary purchased the business from their brother-in-law. In 2006, Mel purchased the business and operated the supply company until he closed in 2024 due to his health.
Mel grew up in Pfeifer, Kansas, attended Pfeifer Grade School, was a 1968 graduate of Victoria High School, and a graduate of Fort Hays State University.
He enjoyed gardening, Connie and Mel would make salsa, pickles, canned beets, and Mel’s sausage he would make during the holidays. He played a lot of basketball and played on a number of Softball teams in his earlier years. His favorite teams were the Chiefs, Royals, KU basketball, and loved spending time with his family and grandkids.
Mel had a lot of regular coffee drinkers in the morning, and afternoon friends at the plumbing supply store. Most important to Mel was his family, he was so proud of them, and the love he had for his wife, and best friend Connie, 50 years of marriage they had together.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Connie, of the home; his daughter, Miranda Ashbaugh, Hays, KS; Jackie Schmidt, Hays, KS; his grandchildren, Kaleigh Ashbaugh; Kaden Ashbaugh; Keiarra Gonzales; his brothers, Irvin Schmidt, Wichita, KS; Leon Schmidt and wife, Roseann, Wichita, KS; Gary Schmidt and wife, Karen, Hot Springs, AR; his sisters-in-law, Kay Schmidt, Wichita, KS; Judy Weigel and husband, Bob, Lawrence, KS; his brothers-in-law, Joseph Berger Jr. and wife, Colette Nina, MO; and Dennis Berger, Hays, KS.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wendelin and Pauline Schmidt; his brother, Wendelin Schmidt Jr.; his sisters, Melba Schmidtberger and Leroy; Norma Schmidtberger and Marvin; his sister-in-law, Nancy Schmidt; and his infant sister, Margola Mary Schmidt.
Mel will be remembered for his quick wit and being a jokester. He never knew a stranger and was the best husband, best dad, best grandpa. He will be missed by many but will always be in our hearts.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis, 900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria, Kansas, with Celebrant, Father Curtis Carlson O.F.M. Cap. Burial will be in Saint Michael The Archangel Cemetery south of Hays, Kansas.
A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:00 P.M. Monday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, and from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, at The Basilica of Saint Fidelis Victoria, Kansas.
The family suggests memorials made payable to: The Basilica of Saint Fidelis or Holy Cross Charities in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be emailed to [email protected] or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com