Cecil Eugene Schmidt's Obituary
Gene Schmidt, age 89, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021, at 1:15 p.m. in his home.
Gene was born on June 8, 1931 in Clinton, MO, a son to Roy Jacob and Cecile Audrey (Rhoads) Schmidt. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. On May 15, 1953, he married Patty Jeanne Godley in Clinton, MO and she survives. Gene was a coal miner and shovel operator for Grove Coal Co, Peabody, Console and Arch coal mines for 44 years. He attended Community of Christ Church, Sparta, IL. Gene had been a member of the VFW and the Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504, both of Pinckneyville, IL, the UMWA, and a Democrat Precinct Committeeman for Perry County, IL. He enjoyed tinkering with old equipment, dabbled in farming, and was a Cardinals fan. Gene loved spending time with his family and was a loving husband and dad.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-seven years, Patty Schmidt of Pinckneyville, IL; two sons, Michael Schmidt of Ava, IL, Daren (Lora) Schmidt of DuQuoin, IL; a daughter, Carla Schmidt (Stuart Lanter) of Freeburg, IL; two grandchildren, Emily Sims and James Downard; one great-grandchild, Kale Downard; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wilber Schmidt and John Schmidt; and two sisters, Rita Schmidt and Marjorie Fancher.
Visitation will be at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Andy Ryder and Elder Brenda Coop officiating.
A graveside service will be held at Englewood Cemetery, Clinton, MO on Thursday, April 22, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Bob Fenwick officiating.
Due to the Covid-19 virus, social distancing will be enforced and all attendees are asked to wear a mask.
Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society.
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