Earl Allen Schmidt, 95, passed away on August 16, 2024, surrounded by family at River Bend Assisted Living, Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on August 20, 1928, in rural Barton County to Henry and Anna (Unruh) Schmidt. In March 1948, he married Charlotte "Janice" Flick in Pawnee Rock, Kansas.

A lifetime area resident, Earl worked as a farmer and drove a school bus for Pawnee Rock Schools for 35 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, as well as the Pawnee Rock Lions Club. He enjoyed collecting and restoring tractors, and square dancing in his younger years.

Survivors include his wife of 76 years, Janice; two sons, Michael Schmidt and wife Janet of Cornelius, Oregon, and Dennis Schmidt and wife Terrie of Cape Coral, Florida; daughter, Brenda Girard of Hays; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest Ave., Great Bend, with Pastor Diana Webster presiding. Memorials have been designated to First United Methodist Church or Great Bend Lions Club, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.