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OKOLONA – Larry Freeman Schmidt was born to Freeman and Evelyn Unruh Schmidt at Halstead Kansas on September 4, 1938. Sophina Koehn later became his mother. He passed away in his home on October 22, 2021, from complications of emphysema at the age of 83. His childhood was rough but he rose above that and made a good life for us. He believed you can rise above however you were raised to become a better person. As a young man he moved to California. He married Evon Goucher on July 29, 1960, sharing sixty-one years of married life. Dad and Mom were baptized by Abe T. Koehn on January 27, 1961, into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Dad and Mom lived in California, Kansas and in 1977 we as a family moved to Mississippi making this home for forty-four years. Dad was very good to Mom. He took the trash out, mowed the yard, and opened the doors for her and never had her do anything he thought was a gentleman's thing to do. He wanted Mom to be a mother at home for us, something he never had. Two sons and two daughters were born into this home. Dad was a good provider, not rich in money, but we were never without our needs! We had lots of good times as a family. Playing ball together and going to the parks are fond memories. Dad was a true Christian example, always saying, “I'm sorry” when he did us wrong. He worked with the public a lot and was a true witness. We believe he drew quite a few to Christ. Dad was always a believer in giving of his money to help others. We have been blessed to have had such a wonderful Dad. He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandpa was always there if they needed him.
As Dad's health began to fail he spoke with us about longing to go Home. He wanted us all to meet him there. We have the assurance that he has made it to Heaven's shore. So now we say, ”Good-bye Dad. You get what you deserve. You were the best.”
Left to cherish precious memories are his loving wife, Evon. His children: Rodney and Vicki, Anadarko of Oklahoma, Charlotte and Bob Unruh of Okolona, MS, Jerry and Penny of Tupelo, MS; Sheila Arevalos of Okolona,MS. Seven grandchildren: Craig, Tanya, Ashley, Stephanie, Amanda, Davis, and Victor. One sister: Wanda and Bud Ratzlaff of Moundridge, KS. One brother: Kenneth of Moundridge, KS. Gone on before are his parents and one brother: Stanlee Schmidt.
A public visitation will be held from 3 PM-5PM today, Sunday, October 24, 2021 at the Okolona Mennonite Church. A private graveside family service will be held on Monday at the Okolona Mennonite Church Cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.
