Theodore Otto Schmidt

Theodore Otto Schmidt, born November 3, 1933, went to join his heavenly father on May 18. His loving wife Sue and his devoted family will cherish his memory, knowing that he is at peace. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church at 10:00 am.

Ted and Sue enjoyed 66 years together, raising their family, traveling, volunteering, and sharing their faith. They met when Ted was serving as best man and Sue maid of honor at their best friends’ wedding.  Ted swept Sue off her feet, and the two were married just three months later, on November 24, 1956.

Ted was born to Otto Herman Schmidt and Lois Smith Schmidt, in Scranton, PA. He idolized his older brother, Richard Herman Schmidt.  The family had a farm in Dalton, PA, along with the house in town.

Pursuing his interests in geology led Ted to Penn State University.  After graduation, he moved west to work in the uranium industry.  He later returned to the east coast, where he met Sue, and they married and started a family.

Eric (Esperanza) was born in Maryland, and the family then moved first to Arizona and then to New Mexico. Kevin (Amy) was born in Albuquerque, and Laurie (Jay) was born in Farmington. From there the family moved to Billings, MT.  Later they moved to Midland, where son Karl (Doris) and daughter Linda (Adam) were born.  Ted loved being a grandfather to Kelsey (Adam), Kendall, Michael (Lacey), Kaleigh, Logan (Madison), and Zoe. He also welcomed two granddaughters, Collins and Stella.

Ted’s brother Richie was killed in Vietnam, and he had a close bond with Richie’s children, Rick, Suzi, Karen, Kurt, Hollie, and Bonna, and their families.  Ted was also uncle to Sue’s nephews Rick and William.

In Washington, Ted worked for the Navy Hydrographic Office, conducting seismic work.  He traveled around the world, documenting his trips on slides. He conducted his work on submarines and traveled around the Atlantic and northwest Pacific oceans. He also worked in the mining industry in Arizona.  Later he became a geophysicist, working for Superior Oil, Skelly, and Mesa Petroleum. After retiring from this career, he spent time operating Texas Seismic Network as a consultant.

Those who knew Ted always appreciated his sense of humor.  He was quick with a joke and a ready laugh. He was a warm and humble man, and to him charity meant not only donations but giving of his time as well.  He took great pride in helping construct Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where he and Sue worshipped faithfully every Sunday.  He helped design the geophysical exhibit at the Petroleum Museum, and served on the board of the City of Midland Swim Team. He volunteered for numerous roles with church and in the community.

Ted loved to travel, and he and Sue always visited their five children, no matter where they landed. From California to Colorado to Australia, Mom and Dad were always willing to make the trip. For years they enjoyed spending winter in Tucson, where Ted explored the Gem and Mineral Show, hiked in the desert, and where he and Sue made many friends. He loved to snorkel, and shared this with his family on a birthday trip to Grand Cayman Island.

He enjoyed listening to music, reading and watching westerns, and working in the garden. He could make a tomato plant thrive in the harshest of Texas soil. Ted was a great cook, and “Ted’s Taco Sauce” will live on through his family. He enjoyed his friends, meeting regularly for “The Safety Meeting.” Most of all, he loved Sue. They were devoted to each other, and during the last few weeks, seeing her always made him smile.

While we’ll hear his jokes in our laughter and appreciate rocks and mountains and desert flowers because he shared those with us, he will be dearly missed by many. We cherish knowing that he is reunited with his family and that he is in God’s embrace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider making a donation to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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