Kermit Dean Schindler, Sr. passed away on August 12, 2025, at his home in Stockton, KS, at the age of 88. He was born on December 26, 1936, at the family homestead in Rooks County, Kansas — the fourth of twelve children of Ray and Vera (Arrington) Schindler. Kermit married the love of his life, Barbara Richardson, in 1961. They later divorced but remained lifelong companions until her passing in May of 2023.
Kermit spent his entire life in Rooks County, growing up on the family farm and attending Johnson and Elm Creek country schools before Stockton High School. He stayed close to his roots, helping his father farm and later continuing the tradition himself. He lived just a mile and a half from the home where he was born, remaining close to the land and community that shaped him.
Known for his strong work ethic, sharp wit, and love for simple pleasures, Kermit was a regular at the K & V Café where he enjoyed Pinochle with friends, and at the VFW where he liked to roll dice. He visited JMart daily for a quick afternoon pick-me-up and was well-known for eating at the bowling alley twice a day, every day — a routine that became part of his identity and a testament to his love for familiar places and faces. He also spent many hours digging up snake root, a pastime that kept him connected to the land, and enjoyed occasional trips to Boot Hill Casino to try his luck at the tables and slot machines.
Kermit is survived by his children: Beverly Schindler-Wooley of Dorrance, KS, Neva Byfield of Stockton, Kermit Schindler, Jr of Plainville, KS, and Rena Schindler of Stockton; siblings: Zoe Hrabe of Stockton, Marvin Schindler of Goddard, KS, Louis Schindler of Hill City, KS, Kenneth Schindler of Topeka, KS, and Marilyn (Dwight) Miller of Stockton, KS; son-in-law, Kendall Byfield; five grandchildren: Nellie (Brandy) Grimes, Miranda McCune, Faith Schindler, Bethany Schindler, and Athan Schindler; and seven great-grandchildren: Blake Ballinger, Samuel McCune, Ayden McCune, Caleb Schindler, Anjoleigh, Harlow Schindler, and Vienna Schindler.
He is preceded in death by his parents; the love of his life, Barbara; siblings: Abe “Junior” (Shirley) Schindler, Avis (Lester) Look, Rita (Gene) Hrabe, Richard, Charlie, and Henry Schindler; sisters-in-law, Julie and Sandy Schindler; brother-in-law, Normand Hrabe; son-in-law, Mark Wooley; and daughter-in-law, Machelle Schindler.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 10:30AM at the funeral home in Stockton. Burial will follow at the Stockton City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, 5-8PM with the family receiving friends 5:30-6:30PM at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to Rooks County Cancer Council and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com