Irven “Smitty” Schmidt, 85 years of Yorkville, IN passed away peacefully with his wife and brother by his side on Friday, November 8, 2024. Smitty grew up in Cincinnati where he studied Mechanics and was in the first graduating class of Central High School Vocational, now known as Cincinnati State. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he worked as a diesel engine mechanic. Upon return from the Navy, Smitty bought and operated Saylor Park Sohio, aka Smitty’s Sohio, service station. During this time, he and his brother, Dan enjoyed taking the service truck to the Lawrenceburg Speedway where they watched the races and patiently waited on the sidelines for someone to need their help after a crash. Eventually Smitty sold the service station and worked at Monsanto until retirement. An avid motorcycle rider, he rode out west four times and up east to Maine and was a member of the Chapter Hill Gold Wing Road Riders Association. Smitty also used his motorcycle to assist with the MS 150 which is a three-day bicycle ride to help raise funds for Multiple Sclerosis. During this race, he and his wife, Carolyn, were traffic controllers and slowed down traffic at intersections so the bicyclists could safely pass. When he wasn’t out and about, Smitty enjoyed watching all the “judge” shows on television.
Smitty will be deeply missed by Carolyn, his wife of 30 years; brother Dan (Linda) Schmidt; children Donna Schmidt, Carmen Pickett, Barry (Penny) Jackson; 4 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by children Kenny and David Schmidt; sister Shirley (Jack) Schwaller; parents Audrey and Erven Schmidt; one grandchild; and sister-in-law Rae Jean Lozier.
Services for Smitty will be held on Thursday, November 14 at Dearborn Hills Church in Bright, IN. Visitation will begin at 10:00am and continue until the time of service at 11:00am. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at St. John’s Lutheran Church Hubble’s Corner. Memorials can be made to Operation Christmas Child or Wounded Warrior Project and will be accepted during the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences at www.andres-wuestefeldfh.com.