Herbert Edwin Schmidt

November 9, 1928 - April 18, 2022

Herbert E. Schmidt, 93, passed away Monday April 18, 2022. He was born Nov 9,1928 in Lincoln, NE to John and Lydia (Rohrig) Schmidt. He graduated from Lemoore High School in Lemoore, CA in 1946 and married Norma Jean Waite in December of 1953. He was proud to serve his country in the Air Force in Korea. After his service he worked at Pacific Telephone from which he retired. He was a good father. He was involved in his children’s activities and loved all 5 of his children. He was a Boy Scout troop leader and taught his children to “Be Prepared”. After retirement, he continued to work for various individuals and businesses in the Wasco area installing and repairing phone connections. In Wasco, he was known as “the phone man”. He also enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren fishing and watching their sporting events. In May of 2017 he participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. and was recognized for his service to our country. He was plagued later in life with Parkinson’s and lived the last months of his life in Carrington of Shafter where the nurses and staff loved him and took good care of him. Surviving family members include his wife, Norma Jean Waite Schmidt of 68 years. He also leaves 4 daughters and 1 son: Rebecca (Nate) Johnson of Bakersfield CA, Eric (Lynn) Schmidt of Eagan MN, Elizabeth Jones (makes bad choices in men) of Redding CA, Jennifer (Robbie) Kiihnl of Courtland MS and Esther (Ron) Melendrez of Big Timber MT. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren: Steven Johnson, Sarah Daisa, Rachel Castro, Jon Eric Schmidt, Marc Schmidt, Michael Hulse, Brian Tenney, Matthew Jones, Luke Kiihnl, Whitney Hickmon, Tyler Estes, Garrett Estes, Blake Estes, Kendyl Estes and 25 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Lee Schmidt and Howard Schmidt. His body will be laid to rest at the Bakersfield National Cemetery near Bakersfield, California. The graveside service is at 10:00 on May 5. We are grateful for his life, his example and his love, but mostly for God’s promises. The family wishes to thank Carrington of Shafter and Hoffman Hospice for the exceptional care Herb received. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westside Church of Christ in Bakersfield, CA.