To Celebrate a Life of Love: Gary Anthony Schmidt

November 5, 1947-November 15, 2022

Gary Anthony Schmidt entered the gates of heaven peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at the age of 75.

Gary was born and raised in San Antonio and grew up attending St. Ann’s Catholic School and Central Catholic High School. After graduating in 1966, Gary was stationed in Panama where he served four years in the U.S. Air Force. Upon honorable discharge, he returned home and began work as a second-generation letter carrier. Like his father, Gary, too, proudly retired from the U.S. Postal Service after a dedicated 35 years of employment in 2002.

Aside from his career, “Big G,” as he was affectionately called in those days, was best known for his pastime playing the drums for the Rough Riders Band throughout country dancehalls in the region. Gary instilled a legacy of music and showmanship in his six children who have continued this passion for the arts as musicians and dancers, proving that “it truly runs in the blood!”

Gary was also an avid hunter, life-long learner, adored his pets, and treasured holidays and birthdays. Greatest of all Gary enjoyed the good company of his friends and big family, who will continue to pass down his unique and charming traditions.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Katherine Schmidt, and his cherished Pomeranian companion, Petie. Gary is survived by his devoted and beloved wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Stein Schmidt; his “chickens” (children) – Cindy Laskowski and husband John, Cody Schmidt and wife Kris, Kevin Schmidt, Kelley Schmidt, Kimberly Kelsey and husband Tyler, Katy Segler and husband Patrick; Grandchildren – Katelyn and Kaylee Schmidt, Drake Sharples, Annabelle and Caroline Kelsey; Brother – Glenn Schmidt and wife Rudi; Sister-in-Law- Linda Stein; and numerous nephews and nieces.

While Gary and his witty one-liners will be missed “biiiiig time”, his love of music is something that will most be remembered each time a great country shuffle is heard. “Oolalou, Chato!”

Visitations for the public will be held Tuesday, November 29 from 6-8 pm at Mission Park Funeral Chapels Cherry Ridge – 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX 78230. A funeral Mass will take place at 11:30 am on Wednesday, November 30 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church – 4201 De Zavala Rd, San Antonio, TX 78249. Interment will be held immediately following services at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery – 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Humane Society in Gary’s honor at https://sahumane.org/.