Ricky Schmidt
1952 - 2018
Obituary
Ricky Lynn Schmidt, 66, of Newton, was
called home Nov. 14, 2018.
He was born Jan. 10, 1952, in Newton,
the son of Orville E. and Elizabeth (Betty) V. Schmidt.
He attended Newton schools and upon
graduating from Newton High School he proudly joined the United
States Navy and became a nuclear specialist (nuclear submarines)
while serving his country.
Before being honorably discharged from
the service, Ricky was strongly encouraged to gain employment, at the
urging of a family friend, at the Wolf Creek Generating Station near
Burlington, as it was being constructed. He was instrumental in
firing up the plant for the first time as an operator. He was top in
his field in water purification.
Ricky retired from Wolf Creek
Generation Station yearning for more knowledge. He then attended
Allen County Community College and Kansas State University,
graduating top of his class and earning degrees in both nuclear
science and nuclear engineering.
Retirement didn't last long. He gained
employment with Wichita Waterworks in Wichita, once again
implementing his knowledge of water purification until retiring there
as well.
Ricky loved the outdoors. He spent many
hours bass fishing in the many ponds on his ranch near Burlington. He
also enjoyed hunting, water sports and off-road recreational sports.
He had many passions – science and his country being at the top of
the list.
Ricky is survived by his parents,
Orville E. and Elizabeth (Betty) Schmidt of rural Newton; brother,
Larry T. (Diana) Schmidt of rural Sedgwick; sister, Jill A. (Tony)
Gonzalez of rural Newton; daughters: Dawn (Steve) Fisher of Iowa,
Janet (Jeffrey) Belton of Arizona, Lyla (Shane) Sullivan of Kansas
and Madelaine (Nick) Berthelson of Missouri; eight grandchildren; and
two great-grandchildren.
Private family services will be held.
Condolences may be left at
www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial
Funeral Home, Newton.
