Dennis Lee Schmidt, 78, of Hays died Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at his home.
He was born Nov. 27, 1943, in Hays to Lawrence Andrew and Rosalyn (Ward) Schmidt. He married Lucy (Robinson) on June 18, 1966, in Hays.
Dennis started his career as a manager of the Hays Plainsmen Supply Store in Hays for a number of years. He then worked as a dispatcher and jailer at the Ellis County Law Enforcement Center for 14 years. He then worked at Hays Fire & Rescue Sales, No-Pest Control. He was a realtor for a few years and was a horse farrier for many years.
Dennis grew up in Hays and was a 1961 graduate of St. Joseph Military Academy. He was a member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church and St. Joseph Knights of Columbus both of Hays. He enjoyed fishing, horses, and rodeos, and was a rodeo clown for a number of years.
Survivors include his wife, Lucy Schmidt, of the home; his daughters, Karen Alexander and husband, Toby, Hays; Kelly Schmidt, Hays; his granddaughter, Chelsey Burkholder, Ft. Collins, Colo.; his brothers, Tim Schmidt, Hays; Kevin Schmidt and wife, Linda, Bradenton, Fla.; Neal Schmidt and wife, Denise, Fairfield, Ohio; Loren Schmidt and wife, Marcia, Tulsa, Okla.; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Esther Schmidt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, 2901 E. 13th St., Hays, with Father Damian Richards officiating. A private family inurnment will be Wednesday afternoon at Saint Ann’s Cemetery, Walker.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church.
The family suggests memorials payable to the organizations: St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church, Saint Ann’s Cemetery, or Hospice of Hays Medical Center in care of the mortuary.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 E. 22nd St., Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or can be left at the guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.