Kenneth (Ken) Raymond Schmidt of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2023, after a brief illness.  He was 76 years young.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Monica Schmidt, and daughters Sabrina Schmidt of Springfield, MO, and Andrea (John) Gerstenberger of Phoenix, AZ.  He is also survived by his brother William (Margaret) Schmidt, and sister Mildred (Jim, decd.) Schumacher of Springfield, MO, and sister Clara (Leo) Weiss, Chicago, IL, as well as ten fabulous nieces and nephews and thirty-three great-nieces and nephews. Ken was born to Marie and Aloys Schmidt October 27, 1946 in Monett, MO.  The family moved to Springfield, MO, where Ken graduated from Parkview High School ('65) and then attended Southwest Missouri State University (Missouri State University).  In 1968, Ken ultimately chose to serve the country in the United States Air Force.  After 20 years of service, he retired from the military in Warner Robins, GA, and began working for Raytheon in their Phased Array Warning System division. Ken and Monica moved to Springfield in 1996, where Ken worked at American Business Systems as a Service Manager and eventually retired.

Ken enjoyed Georgia Bulldogs football and Atlanta Braves baseball, as well as gardening, photography, and a host of other hobbies.  He was a craftsman and exceptionally talented at woodworking. He was an amazing husband and father and is missed every day.

A private burial was held for the family in August 2023 at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO.