Donald Carl Schmidt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at the age of 93 following a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on September 22, 1931, in Caldwell, Kansas, to Carl and Irene Schmidt as the oldest of 7 children, he was raised on the family wheat farm, which strongly shaped his work ethic, life outlook, and vocation. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, with a degree in Agricultural Economics, and US Army veteran, he enjoyed a fulfilling 40 plus year career as a nurseryman, culminating in ownership of Durant Wholesale Nursery in Durant, Oklahoma, the last two decades of his career. He was passionate about his trade, even receiving the “Outstanding Nurseryman of the Year Award” from the Oklahoma Nurseryman’s Association in 1997, and he loved being out in the field accompanied by his trusty canine companions. He was a true animal and nature lover and remained a farm boy at heart throughout his life. Don met and married his sweetheart, Mary Ruth Hereford, in Dallas, Texas, where they raised their three children. He was a man of great integrity, strong conviction, quiet strength, and amazing resilience who loved and cared for his family deeply. He enjoyed music, ballroom dancing, family gatherings, and watching his favorite sports teams, and he was an avid boating enthusiast and water skier in his younger years. He was also a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, including a term as Grand Knight. He is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Schmidt; children, Melinda Walker (Chris); Donna Stepaniak (John); and Paul Schmidt (Christy); and his 3 grandchildren, Elizabeth, Catherine, and Michael Stepaniak. Don bravely battled multiple health afflictions in his later years, ultimately succumbing to the effects of late onset Alzheimer’s Disease when the Lord called him home. The family shares special appreciation and thanks to the many members and volunteers of Interim Healthcare of Granbury and Harbor Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center that provided dedicated care for Don in his final challenging months and days; with special recognition to neighbor and hospice volunteer, Danny Dwight, who graciously visited him weekly. Funeral mass to be held on January 17, 2025, at 3pm at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Farmers Branch, Texas. Those wishing to make a donation in Don’s memory may contribute to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (https://alzfdn.org/donate) or Knights of Columbus Catholic Charities (https://www.kofc.org/donate).