Funeral service for Freeman Schmidt, 80, of Fairview, will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 21, 2016 at the Church of God in Christ Mennonite in Fairview, Oklahoma. The Reverend Dale Becker will officiate. Burial will follow in Cedar Cemetery. Arrangements are by Fairview Funeral Home Inc.

Freeman Schmidt was born to Jonas and Ida (Boehs) Schmidt on April 10, 1936 near Fairview, OK. His life's journey was completed on April 16, 2016 at St. Mary's Hospital, Enid OK reaching the age of 80 years and 6 days.

Our Dad's childhood was during the Depression and he had many memories of working together with his parents and 4 siblings. Dad received his education at Standard and Progressive Schools, enjoying the subject of Math the most. He received several Perfect Attendance certificates in spite of daily chores and walking to school.

God called Dad when he was a young teenager and he found victory in Jesus. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on March 15, 1950 by Minister Dan Smith, remaining faithful to the end. He served two years in Civilian Public Service at Tucumcari, New Mexico. Life-long friendships were formed during these years.

The most special friend Dad met in Tucumcari was Janet Loucks who was serving there as house help. They were married on October 5, 1958 at Copeland, KS, sharing 57 years together. Two sons and two daughters were born into their home. After finishing Dad's service at Tucumcari, they lived on his parents' yard for a few years until they bought the farm two miles east of Fairview. Farming and dairying provided a living for the family.

By his example, Dad faithfully taught us to be good stewards of the things God gave us. "Waiting on God for His blessings each day" was instilled in us during our family devotions. Family members and friends that touched his heart were often mentioned by name in prayer.

Dad was a friend to man. He enjoyed finding something in common with everyone he met. Conversations were often started on the important topic of the weather. Dad was a very generous person, being ready instantly to help someone in need, whether neighbor, friend or stranger. This led him to help with disaster relief in other places as well as local building projects.

In later years, it became very important to Dad to put in writing our family's history and genealogy. He and Mom, together with Randy Levings spent many hours in researching records for the Cedar Cemetery. Dad also picked up an interest in wood-working, making special gifts of many different kinds of wood.

As his health declined, Dad faced many challenges. He found his comfort and strength in the 100 ^th Psalm and other Bible promises and hymns. We are so thankful for his testimony of being at peace with God and ready to meet His Maker.

Left with precious memories are his wife, Janet and children, Eugene (Ringwood, OK), Carol and Kevin Koehn (Leland, MS), Linda and Roger Mazelin (Clarkrange, TN), and Keith and Marsha (Ringwood, OK); 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Tena Leatherman (Walker, MO) and Louise and Jack Adkins (Ringwood, OK); as well as three brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law.

Preceding him in death were one daughter-in-law, Trudy; his parents; one brother, Herbert and one sister, Esther; one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law.