Leonard Schmidt

Leonard R Schmidt, Sr. was born December 13, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois to Leonard and Ruth Schmidt, both deceased. He has two sisters, Pamela Pecucci of Streamwood, IL and Deborah Berres of Schaumburg, IL, and a brother, Wayne Schmidt of Arizona.
He joined the Army in 1970 and did two tours of duty. He passed away on August 3, 2017 in his sleep as he battled heart problems and diabetes.
He was married three times and continued amicable and friendly relationships with the mothers of his children.
He is survived by his six children Deonna Autenrieth, 46, of Grand Prairie, TX, her husband, Ed, her children, Deonna Songer and David & Ashley Terry; Leonard Schmidt, Jr, 42, of Newbern, TN, his wife, Shonna, their children Megan Kolwyck, and Jessica & China Maltby; Kathleen Dodds, 41, of Grand Prairie, TX, her husband, William, her children, Christopher & Michael Henley and Brittany Cimino, Anna Marx, 30, of Scottsdale, AZ, her wife, Nicol, their children, Rihana, Dezirai, Ja’Vayah, & Malik Marx; Rebecca Walker, 28 of Huntsville, AL, her daughter, Kalanii Murphy; Bradley Schmidt, 24, of Scottsdale, AZ, and his children, Christopher Schmidt & Murphy McKean; as well as thirteen great grandchildren.

Leonard’s favorite quotes were “Look before you leap and always land on both feet” and “Don’t worry, God has a plan for you.” He was a determined, principled, stubborn, yet kind man who always had a way of making his children and grandchildren laugh with his corny jokes. He had an infectious laugh that erupted from deep within him. Leonard was a wonderful son, brother, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and dear friend. He is loved dearly by his family and friends and will be missed beyond expression and comprehension.