Robert Lee Schmidt, 92, of Llano died April 24, 2017

One more World War II veteran has been lost to the ages. Robert Lee Schmidt, 92, was born on Nov. 11, 1924, and died April 24, 2017. He was born in Doss, Texas, to Oscar E. and Clara Neffendorf Schmidt, the eldest of five siblings.

His family moved to Llano, where he was raised and attended school.

By the time he was in high school, World War II was underway. Immediately after graduation from Llano High School, he entered the Army and served in the Pacific Theater in the Phillipines.

Robert’s name is inscribed on the World War II veterans memorial on the Llano County Courthouse square. His service was honored with the presentation of a Quilt of Valor on Oct. 2, 2016.

After his discharge from the Army, he married Lillie Roberts on April 13, 1947. He moved his family to Austin, where he lived until retirement. He was employed by Southland Corp., working for 7-Eleven as a store manager and later as an auditor for the Central Texas region.

When he retired from Southland, he and Lillie moved back to Llano County, where he ranched. Raising cattle and, for awhile, goats and working on their Honey Creek ranch gave him great joy.

He and Lillie bought a home in the city of Llano after living on the ranch for about 10 years, but he continued his ranching interests.

He was a quiet man who gradually and subtly instilled in his children and grandchildren a love for the land and a knowledge of how to care for cattle. As his health declined toward the end of life, he resided at Windchime Assisted Living Center in Kingsland.

Robert was a lifelong Lutheran and a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Llano. He served as president, vice president, and treasurer of the congregation for a number of years. He was strong in his faith, and we take comfort knowing he has been welcomed by his heavenly Father.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Lillie, and young brother Nolan.

He is survived by three sisters, Doris Tate, Gladys Talley and husband Teddy Joe, and Vondean Schmidt. His children are Sandra Wilson, Carol Jones, and Leon Schmidt (and wife, Roxanne). He has six grandchildren, Julie Crowell, Rebecca Peterson (and husband, Roland), Craig Jones (and wife, Michelle Butler), Aaron Jones, Katie Schmidt, and Toni Schmidt, and seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of Windchime Assisted Living Center, whose care and concern helped so much during his last months. They also thank the staff and physicians of Baylor Scott & White Regional Medical Center in Marble Falls and the visiting caregivers from Encompass Home Health and Altus Hospice.

A service is April 29 at St. James Lutheran Church in Llano. Burial follows in Llano City Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 1401 Ford St., Llano, TX 78643.

Arrangements by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300. Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.