Melvin "Mel" Schmidt, aged 78, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away on October 18, 2024 at Baptist Health Paducah.
Mel was born on February 8, 1946, to the late Elmer and Edna Schmidt. He was a longstanding member of Friendship Baptist Church. His devotion to service and fellowship was an inspiration to all who knew him. Alongside his spiritual commitment, Mel had a passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and could often be found working in the yard doing various projects. Mel always had an appreciation of fast cars, including the corvette he had when he was younger. In the last few years, he developed an enthusiasm for drag racing, a hobby he shared with his son. They created cherished memories on the track, fueled by shared adrenaline and love. His other pastime was cheering for the University of Kentucky basketball team along with exchanging friendly rivalry banter with his daughter.
Mel is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Donna Ficco Schmidt of Paducah; a daughter, Alyson Schmidt of Houston, Texas; a son, Michael Schmidt of Paducah; two sisters, Doris (Don) Wiens of Kensington, Kansas and Kathy (Mike) Houck of Warsaw, Missouri; and three brothers, Norman (Myrna) Schmidt of Inman, Kansas, David (Elaine) Schmidt of Inman, Kansas, and Pete (Donna) Goering of Newton, Kansas; and step-mother, Nora Jane Schmidt of Inman, Kansas.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Friendship Baptist Church with Bro. Jason Browning officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Kenton Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the service hour of 1:00 PM on October 24, 2024, at Friendship Baptist Church.
The Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to, Friendship Baptist Church, 146 S Friendship Rd, Paducah, KY 42003 or St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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