1955-2023
Ronald “Ron” J. Schmidt passed away at the age of 68 on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in the hospital surrounded by family.
Ron was a rare man of character, responsibility, strength, and yet almost the first thing anyone would mention about him was how he liked to have fun and make sure everyone around him was having fun too.
Ron was proud of being a lifelong Edmondite. The youngest of 3 children, he was born above where Othello’s is currently in downtown Edmond. He spent his youth developing a passion for vehicles. Motorcycles, cars, boats – he loved to be on the go riding in something fun. And you could be sure that it was clean and full of gas. Growing up, he formed many long-lasting friendships with his wonderful classmates, who he would look forward to meeting with to reminisce on their countless good times.
Ron had known Patti from an early age, as their parents didn’t live too far from each other. They were high school sweethearts who got married in the spring of 1977. Their devotion to each other was admirable and they possessed a remarkable love for each other, always looking out for each other, offering support and enjoying sharing their lives. They presented a united front and aimed to look on the bright side of life.
Ron and Patti had a son, Evan, and daughter, Emily, and it was clear that family was a top priority to them. Ron was Evan’s best friend and Emily’s biggest supporter. They shared many wonderful times and their relationships remained close throughout the different phases of life. He was very proud of them and would drop anything to be there for them if needed.
Ron began his career out at the Fife Corporation in the 70’s and spent the next nearly 4 decades working his way up, eventually becoming Director of Sales for Maxcess International, and later a consultant in the web handling factory machinery industry. He earned a Bachelors in Business from the University of Central Oklahoma. Over the span of his career, he made connections at trade shows and in industry associations and met many people around the world. His position took him to Germany, Japan, India, and countless U.S. cities. The traveling could be tiresome at times, but he was a dedicated family man that looked forward to getting home and had interesting stories to share. He was a man who worked hard to meet his goals and took great care of the things he earned.
Retirement came and he and Patti got to enjoy the slower pace of life, a lake house and boat, spending time with their children and playing with their grandchildren. There was never a time that Ron didn’t have a project he was working on, and he was not the type to sit around inside. His grandsons loved helping with yardwork or getting the chance to mess around in the shop. He was a gracious host at Grand Lake, happy to take you out to his favorite spots to spend the afternoon floating and relaxing in the sun, then come back and grill fantastic steaks with mushrooms on top. He was grateful for everything he had and prayed before every meal.
Ron is preceded in death by his father: Roland Schmidt, and his mother: W. Berniece Schmidt. He is survived by his wife: Patti Schmidt. Children: Evan Schmidt and wife Kristen, Emily Orcutt and husband Matt. Grandchildren: Weston, Kaden, Gavin, and Kylie. Siblings: Gene Schmidt and wife Melinda, Kaye Olsmith. Along with several nephews, one niece, and numerous other family members and friends that were of the utmost importance to him. And they all knew it too.
Ron was a man that people knew they could call, and help would be on the way.
Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m., Thursday, October 5 at Matthews Funeral Home.
Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 6, 2023 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
Patti, I’m so sorry to hear about Ronnie. Cousin hugs to you and your family. Renita Jo
Dear Patty, Evan and Emily:
I cannot believe that Ron is gone. What a tragedy and loss for you and the rest of his personal friends and former business friends. Ron and I spent many hours together in my Maxcess Sale territory (Wisconsin and Minnesota). At one point in my 37 years with Maxcess, Ron was my immediate Sales Supervisor. I considered him a friend, not my boss. Whoever wrote the Obituary said most of what I would say. So I second everything that was said.
Ron and I had a couple of special sayings between us. One of them occurred during a Dallas/Green Bay football game that Ron had partied for us, during an Oklahoma City sales meeting. Dallas was kicking Green Bay pretty bad so I said “Damn Dallas Refs” a lot that night. This quote stuck between us every time Dallas and Green Bay played.
The second thing was, every time I heard this song on the radio, while driving in my territory, I would phone Ron and hold my phone to the radio. The song was “Here’s a Quarter, call someone who cares”. An inside joke between us.
Best wishes to all of you and my deepest sympathy for the loss of a great person.
Sad in Green Bay!
Dave & Diane Rumage
While we didn’t get to see Ronnie except when we attended our high school reunions, it was like he had been hanging out with everyone all along. He always brought his humor to all our reunions. Never without a smile and always visiting with everyone. I wish we had had more time. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
We pray for comfort and healing to Patti and all his family and to our extended family of EHS Bulldogs of 1973.
I only had the privilege of visiting with your father a few times. He had a gentle and generous sprit and was always ready to laugh. He clearly loved and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
I’ll remember your dad every time I see Weston smile. You and Weston have Ron’s smile.
The first memory I have of your dad is in the hospital waiting room waiting for Weston to arrive. We had good conversation trying to decide what Weston should call him. At the time I think he decided on “Rondad”. But I think he moved on from that. Of course, he bought Pizza for everyone waiting.
Your dad will be missed.
Our hearts are broken, like so many. It was shocking to get that news. Mike and I have soooo many memories of all the good times we had. We have known Ron since 1974 working at Fife Corporation. A million words cannot describe what kind of man Ron was. We loved being around him when he would tell us funny stories and all the laughs we had. Ron was always there to help others when things came up. We are very saddened we didn’t get to see Ron that much when we moved back to Oklahoma City. We understand how important the Family was to Ron. We believe that Ron lived his life to the fullest. We will miss him big time.
Many Prayers for Patti Schmidt and the entire family.
Sincerely Mike & Anette Trent
Hi Ronnie. It’s your sister, Kaye.
I’m sure going to miss your wonderful smile, laughter, hugs and prayers!
Thank you for being there for me every day of your life. Thank you for all the fun times and thank you for getting me through the few bad times. Thank you for my wonderful sister-in-law, Patti. Thank you and Patti for my fantastic nephew Evan, and niece Emily. The fun is just beginning with the next generation of Schmidt’s.
Growing up our family of five would end every night with the following prayer:
Good night, God Bless, sleep tight, sweet dreams, I love you. Amen!
Big Sis, Kaye
A tragic, unexpected loss, but what better legacy can a man leave than family and friends who loved him and remember him with smiles and warm memories. Rest in peace, Ron.
Patty
So sorry to hear of the passing of Ron. As you are aware I worked with Ron for many years at Fife/Maxcess. I always enjoyed talking to Ron about his many projects and discussing with him his questions on the projects. We always had discussions about guns.
Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. May God bless you and your family.
I first met Ron who welcomed me to the family when I was engaged to his sister, Kaye 9 years ago but it always felt I had known him all my life. His warmth and good humor was a constant in all our times together wherever, at the lake or in OKC.
I will truly miss Ron as will his siblings, children, grandchildren and his many friends.
It is so difficult to accept that Ron has left us.
We must all go at some point in time, but Ron’s passing was just so very premature.
Ronnie, here’s a last long hug,,,from your bro-in law Mike
My thoughts with smiles always lead to arrivals and departures at our reunions of “ Love you Donna Kay” – “ Love you too Ronnie” which rolled so easily between us finished off with a big sincere hug.
You will forever be in my heart ❤️
Ms Patti, those lifelong cherished memories will be forever in your heart and comfort you ❤️
It was a privilege meeting Ron. We enjoyed our conversations with him at the Schmidt gatherings. A beautiful kind soul who will always be with his family and friends.
We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
I’ve known both Ronnie and Patty since grade school. He was a prince of a guy that I am saddened to lose and the class of ‘73 reunions will be a lot different without Ronnie at the MC mic. We love you Patty and are lifting you and your family up in prayer.
Janie Roberts Tigert
Cousin Ronnie, you had the most incredible laugh that I’m pretty sure you inherited from Uncle Rollie. I loved your family so much. I remember us playing at your house on Ridgecrest when we were in grade school. It was the best time going to Aunt Berniece’s house! Thank you for being the best cousin. When I was lost in high school after daddy died, you were always kind and sweet to me when you’d run into me in the halls. I am grateful I ran into you and Patti a few years ago. I didn’t think that would be the last time I’d see you. I will miss you.
Patti and family, you will be in my prayers. If I can do anything at all, please let me know Patti.
Love,
Cousin Hazel
Sorry to hear of Ronnie’s untimely death. HE WAS ONE OF A KIND and he will be missed. Prayers for you and your family. Sorry I can’t make it for the service. I’m not as mobile as I used to be. Ab Mills
Patty, Evan, & Emily,
We are so, so SHOCKED & SADDENED to read this. Our deepest condolences and sympathy for all of you & the grandchildren as well. You have been such great friendly, caring neighbors over the past 27 years. It was always such a pleasure to talk to Ron & seeing him & the grandson mowing the yard. He always had a smile & a wave when he would see us & always asked if we needed anything. Just a great guy & gone way to soon. He will truly be missed. We pray that the Lord will bless you & comfort you through this time of grief & sorrow.
Patti and family
I was so sad to hear about Ronnie’s passing. Even though it’s been awhile since I have seen you all I will never forget our fun filled times together and Ronnie’s joy in life. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family
Hello Patti, so sorry to hear about Ron. I enjoyed seeing you both at AIMCAL events and working together with him on our great board of directors. We spoke of business and family with many fond memories through the years. Although we did not speak since his retirement I thought of him often. Deepest condolences from Kathy and me.
Patti and family – I just learned of Ron’s passing today and was shocked by the fact that a guy so full of life with such a great sense of humor could be gone at such a young age. Ron and I knew each other during my time with Fife Corporation. Ron would come to Minnesota, and we would travel together and work became fun. Once, while on the drive to drop him off for his flight home – it was a hot summers day. Ron did not want to travel in his work clothes. While I drove, without asking, he started changing into shorts and a summer shirt. My fear was that we would get pulled over while he was not wearing pants near the “do you see anything suspicious” sign near the airport.
I left Fife and went to work for another company in a management role and would often call Ron for advice. He was my friend and life-long mentor and I will miss him.
David Sullivan
I had the opportunity to work with Ron in Mexico and others countries and he always had a collaborative and helpful attitude to anyone who was around him. I really enjoyed our trips and the time spent with him. Always with a smile on his face and with incredible human quality. I’m really going to miss him. Thank you very much Ron for everything you taught me. God bless and comfort all his family’s loved ones very soon.
Patti and family,
At a loss for words. Ron will definitely be missed. So many happy and fond memories; especially this time of year with the annual Halloween parties. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you,
Betty
Patti, Evan and Emily ~
I am truly sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. I will always carry the memories of him and your family from when we were neighbors.
I will be praying for you all.
Hugs!!
It’s been over 30 years since I last saw Ronnie, but I still, to this day, think of Ronnie and Patti and the great group of friends that they attracted. Ron was just so damn fun, to go with his likable nature. I loved his clever humor and his tilted smirking smile when he delivered the killer punch line. He will always be in my treasure, as will his family, and his family of friends.