Sad News: C. H. "Smitty" Schmidt and Robert Schmidt

My father, C. H. Schmidt passed away on October 30th after a long bout with Alzheimer's disease. And, in less than 72 hours, his brother, and my uncle, Robert Schmidt passed away while notifying relatives of my father's passing. In the last three years, Rebecca and I have lost all 4 parents, 2 aunts and 1 uncle. My father's and uncle's obituaries follow:

Cleburne H. "Smitty" Schmidt, age 87, passed away on October 30, 2009. Smitty was the owner of C.H. Schmidt Refrigeration Service for over 50 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; step-father, Robert E.L. Sisico; brother, Hilmer Schmidt; half-brothers and sisters, William Schmidt, Mildred Hausman, and Joseph Schmidt. Smitty is survived by his son, Craig Schmidt (Rebecca); grandchildren, Hannah Rebecca Schmidt and Lauren Elizabeth Schmidt; brother, Robert Schmidt; Half-brothers and sisters, Viola Gotthardt, John Henry Schmidt, Franklin Schmidt, Audrey Ramchinsky, Christian Schmidt and John Kennedy Schmidt and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North with the Funeral Service to begin at 9:00 AM on Thursday, November 5, 2009 also at the funeral home. Entombent will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Legion Post No. 2, 3518 Fredericksburg Rd., San Antonio TX 78201.

Robert Edward Schmidt, born February 11, 1923, went to be with the Lord on November 2, 2009 at the age of 86. He was a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy during World War II and his passion was playing golf. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Sarah; two daughters, Marie (Gerry) Narveson, Marsha Schmidt; one son, Glenn (Mary) Schmidt; grandchildren, Nicholas (Lisa) Narveson, Erica, Hurley, Molly Schmidt; great-grandchildren, Aaron & Zuri Narveson, Nathannial Schmidt & Joe Del la Victoria; brothers, John Henry, Franklin, Christian & John Kenney; sister, Viola Gothardt & Lou Audrey Ramchinsky; numerous nieces, nephews and his pet companion, Mitze. Bob was preceded in death by mother, Agnes Marie Sisco, Step-father, Robert Sisco, father, Christian Schmidt; brothers, Hilmer, Cleburne, William, Joe, David; sister, Mildred. He will be truly missed and forever in our hearts by all who loved him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 9, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Charity of your choice.

Season Ends with 8th-Place Finish at Lorain

We ended our 2009 season on a high note with an 8th-place finish at Lorain County Speedway in September. With the impending tire change in Legends racing, we elected to finish the season on the same set of tires in which we began the season - 14 races in total.

The night was quite eventful, as the car was crazy-loose, particularly when entering the turns. At one point, I spun into the infield after friend Dave Spotton and I were avoiding a crash and tried to occupy the same portion of the track. The second trip into the infield was a result of being cut off by a car entering turn one, and I completely around turns one and two in the grass, and never lost a position in the process.

I was very pleased with our 9th place overall finish in the series point standings, and a 4th place finish in the Masters division standings. In 14 seasons of racing, this is our second-best points finish. Special thanks to my wife Rebecca, for supporting me, and friend and fellow racer Dave Spotton, who has been a huge help over the lase couple of seasons.