Donald Schmidt CW4 US Army Ret.

Born in West Virginia on April 29, 1935. After his High School graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He worked predominantly as a Nuclear weapons maintenance officer and held appropriate Top Secret Clearances. Due to his professionalism, flawless judgment, superior instructional abilities and competence, and high personal standards, he ended his 20 year military career as a Chief Warrant Officer IV in the Inspections Directorate, Field Command, Defense Nuclear Agency. While in service to his country, he was awarded 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Joint Services Commendation Medal and 1st Oak Leaf Cluster to the Army Commendation Medal. After his military retirement, he started his 2nd career at GTE Lenkurt/Siemens. He began as a line worker and demonstrating the same attributes as he had in his military career quickly attained the position of Manager, Instrument Support and Maintenance. He was a Member of Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Also, during this time, he fulfilled his dream and earned his BBA magna cum laude. After disability retirement from Siemens, Don did volunteer work with the Lovelace Auxiliary for 15 years. Don touched many lives with his knowledge, humor, and caring. He appeared to be all business on the outside, but to those who knew him he was a charismatic, humorous, and compassionate man. While stationed in Fort Bliss, TX in 1956, he met a nursing student named Armida Vargas and married her 28 days later. Together they raised two daughters, Jeri and Teresa, and later welcomed Jeri's husband Anthony as a son. Don continued to be a great source of wisdom, humor, and love to his children and grandchildren Samantha, Alexis, Angela, and Amanda. After a long illness, with the comfort and compassion of Heartland Hospice, Don died peacefully at home on June 1, 2013 in the loving arms of his wife of 57 years Armida and his youngest daughter Teresa. May God grand you peace in your rest. We love you. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 5:30 pm at FRENCH - Lomas. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 4001 Indian School Rd NE, Suite 300, Albuquerque, NM 87110.