Vernon R. Schmidt, Sr., 82, of Cato, passed away at Crouse Hospital, Thursday, September 07, 2017, surrounded by his family. Vernon was born in Minnesota, the son of the late Ernest Schmidt, and Agatha Krosschell Schmidt. Vernon was employed as a boiler operator at Lockheed Martin in Liverpool prior to his retirement. He was an avid car fan and was co-founder of the Esta Drag Strip in Cicero, he also enjoyed fishing, and he solved crosswords and jumble puzzles.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia Campbell Schmidt, two daughters, Cynthia (John) Clark of Aiken, South Carolina, and, Cathi (Charlie) Lang of Cato, two sons, Vernon (Shauna) Schmidt, Jr. of North Syracuse, and Donald (Sunshine) Schmidt of Cato, a brother, Rolland (Mary) Schmidt of Phoenix, and Carla Carey of Deltona, Fl., seven Grandchildren; Crystal Schmidt, Marc Lang, Hillary Clark-Kulis, Sara Baker, Amber Lang, Hannah Skellington-McKusick, and Adam Schmidt, two Great Grandchildren, Gavin Baker, and, Wyatt Baker, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Vernon is predeceased by his brother's, John Schmidt, and Robert Schmidt, and a sister, Berdina Young.
If anyone wishes to make contributions they can do so to the Crouse Hospital Palliative Care, 736 Irving Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210, https://1143.thankyou4caring.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=298.
Calling hours will take place Sunday, September 10, from 2:00-3:00, with a memorial service to take place at 3:00 at the Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Cato. www.catoredcreek.com www.catoredcreek.com