Gerhard Eric Schmidt passed away at White Oak Manor, in York, on March 5, 2024, with his devoted wife Louise, and family, at his side. He was 86 years old.
Eric was born in Bronx, NY, on August 7, 1937. He met Louise in 1958 at a skating rink in El Paso, TX and 9 months later they were married and together they built a beautiful life over their 65 years of marriage. His service and devotion to family was his hallmark in life.
Eric entered the Coast Guard Reserves after high school and while there, he discovered he wanted to work on airplanes, so he went into the Air Force where he worked on aircraft maintenance for 23 years, climbing to the rank of Master Sergeant. During his career, he served in the Vietnam War from 1961-1975 and was stationed in El Paso, TX, Albany, GA, Caribou, ME, Spokane, WA and Fairfield, CA.
Having long dreamed of raising children, they adopted Dan in Augusta, ME in 1967 and then Donald and David in Seattle, WA in 1970. Eric and the family settled in Vacaville, CA. During his 35 years there, he was an instrumental Charter Member at Shepherd of the Hills Church, even helping to build the church from the ground up. He was always ready to do what he needed to help people. In addition, he was a fixture performing in community theater for over 20 years and volunteered his time as a Docent at Travis Air Force Base Museum. He was always up to entertain and make people happy and this is how he lived out his life.
After 35 years in Vacaville, they moved to York, SC in 2005. There he was heavily involved and active at Grace Lutheran Church with the Property Committee and helping with the hunger outreach programs. He also volunteered at the Hospice and Community Care Resale Store. Continuing his commitment to entertain and make people happy, his other hobbies included being a part of the Copy Cats, performing for seniors miming songs in costume for almost 9 years, as well as volunteering his time as a Docent at the Charlotte International Airport Air Museum.
Eric is survived by his wife Louise; by his children Dan (Sandy), Donald (Kristi) and David (Rebecca); and by 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM, Friday, March 15, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church, in Rock Hill. He will be laid to rest at Grace Lutheran Cremation Garden. A reception to follow will be in the Fellowship Hall at Grace Lutheran Church.
Memorial Contributions may be given to:
Grace Lutheran Church
426 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29730
(803) 342-5295
Website: onrealm.org/gracerockhill/-/form/give/now