Randall R. “Randy” Schmidt, 67, Hays, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
He was born Jan. 15, 1956, in Hays, the son of Alfred L. and Mary K. (House) Schmidt. While growing up, he attended St. Joseph Grade School, Kennedy Middle School, Thomas More Prep High School, and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Park College, a master’s degree from Webster University, and attended Oklahoma State University.
From 1973 to 1996, Randy served in the U.S. Air Force, where he enlisted five ranks and commissioned five ranks, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was a Desert Storm veteran and served as a civilian in Korea, the Republic of Georgia, Bosnia, the Netherlands and Kosovo. Randy was a weapons systems officer, a member of the Mach 2 Club, and a flight instructor at the Air Force Academy. He enjoyed flying, motorcycle riding, RV trips, Florida’s Space Coast, and in April, achieving his goal of seeing the Holy Land. Randy loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his son, Aaron Schmidt (Kara Holland) of Fredericksburg, Va., two daughters, Dr. Katherine Schmidt of Queens, N.Y., and Lauren Daniels (James) of Glen Allen, Va., three brothers, Larry Schmidt (Melea), Dan Schmidt (Connie), and John Schmidt (Dana), all of Hays, a sister, Karla Ruder (John) of Plainville, three grandchildren, Bennett Daniels, Luka Schmidt, and Aubrey Daniels, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Mike and Joe Schmidt.
The Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 12 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Richard Daise officiating. Military honors by the Hays VFW Post 9076 Honor Guard will follow.
Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday and from 9:30 until 10:15 a.m. Wednesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.
A vigil service and Rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Catholic Charities of Northern Kansas or to the St. Joseph Food Pantry. Condolences and memories of Randy may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com.