Richard L. "Dick" Schmidt
May 21, 1940 ~ July 2, 2024
Richard L. “Dick” Schmidt, (84) passed away peacefully on July 2, 2024, with family lovingly at his side.
Born May 21, 1940, he lived a rambunctious young life in Wichita, KS. He was preceded in death by, his father, Richards and stepmother, Melba and brother Mike. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Elvina; sons, Vincent and Victor; sisters, Susan, Sally and Janet; grandchildren, Jennifer, Craig, Amy, Christopher, Matthew, Kimberly, Anna and Allison; and 15 great grandchildren.
His career in Wichita began in 1963 at KWBB radio and included stops along the way at stations KLEO, KEYN, (WHB in Kansas City) and finally KFDI radio as news director. His broadcasting career included KSN television, weekend news anchor, where he would sign off the Saturday evening 10 o’clock news by saying - “we’ll see you in church tomorrow!”
His interests included spending time in the yard playing ball with his two boys, riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, vacationing in Colorado, and spending time with family and friends.
He will most be remembered by his dedication to a newfound relationship in Christ at Tyler Road Baptist Church. At the age of 30, he began his journey following the Lord. This new direction led to a surrender to full time ministry beginning in 1973 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Wichita, where he served as an associate pastor. Soon after that in 1974, he moved his family, to Green River, Wyoming, where he pastored a start-up church, Flaming Gorge Baptist Church, which grew to well over 150 members in few short years. His ministry included First Southern Baptist Church in Wichita, First Baptist Church in Belle Plaine, KS, and New York Valley Community Church in Yates Center, KS, where he retired from full time pastoral duties, at the age of 80.
Richard was determined, dedicated and had an enormous heart, a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He was a gentle giant, generous, as he was tall. He will be missed dearly.
Visitation will be at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, July 7, 2024, with a Funeral Service at 11:00 am, on Monday, July 8, 2024, both at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Glory Bound Ministries, 1408 Caddy Court, Wichita, Kansas 67212.
Services will be live streamed and available by clicking on the "Watch Now" button below.
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Love you Dad, Best Dad ever.
Mr Schmidt, as I called him, came over with his beautiful wife and visited with my parents and I. They were glad we had visited Immanuel, thanks to my brother Michael. I remember how kind and funny Mr Schmidt was. He answered all our questions about the “Baptist” as this was new to us. Thank you Schmidt’s for following Gods call. Vince and Victor, thanks for the memories from youth group. Praying for all of you. We will miss you, Dick.
I will be unable to attend but wish to express my condolences to the family. I met him went he came to my house for visitation after I attended Immanuel Baptist for the first time. I always enjoyed conversations with him In the hallways at church. John and Sonda Lock