Ralph LeRoy Schmidt Jr. (Lee or Leeroy) of Fayetteville, Ohio passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at the age of 78. He was born on July 18, 1945 in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he lived with his 2 brothers and sister (Don, Gary and Cathy) until they moved to Fairbanks, Alaska when Lee was a teenager. Lee attended Lathrop High School and then joined the US Army where he was stationed in Colorado Springs. There he met and married Anita Morse, the sister of one of his closest fellow soldiers. After his time in the Army he, Anita and their 2 children moved back to Fairbanks, Alaska and had 4 more children. Lee worked for Alaska Airlines for over 30 years loading and unloading airplanes. After retiring in 2007, having lived 45+ years in Alaska, at the age of 62, he and his wife left Alaska and moved to Woodlawn, Tennessee. In 2015, after 8 years in Tn. they decided to move to Fayetteville, Ohio where Lee lived out his remaining years.
Lee has been actively involved in bow and rifle hunting for deer, moose and bear, airboating, snow machining, drag racing, darts, fixing cars and in his later years cross bow hunting and target shooting . He shot his crossbow right up until the week before his death.
He is preceded in death by his parents Ralph LeRoy Schmidt Sr. and Dorothy June Teagarden (Reagan). Also by his great grandson Lincoln Alexander Ashley.
He is survived by his spouse of almost 54 years, Anita Schmidt (Morse) and their children, Shelly Dobberpuhl (Tony Lashley) of North Pole, Alaska, Robin Osborn of Fairbanks, Alaska, Velora East (Glenn) of Fayetteville, Ohio, Michael Schmidt (Ashley Long) of North Pole, Alaska, Rose Zepeda (Hector) of Cottontown, Tennessee and Susie Spradlin (Terence) of Clarksville, Tennessee. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren- Reuben Dobberpuhl, Cierra Finnesey (Sean), Alyssa Lehman (Daniel), Kailah Osborn (Linden Ashley), Holly Osborn, Thomas East (Kat), Acacia Lindsey (Jarrod) , Tyler, Haleah, Ethan, Wesley, Angelina & Jeremiah Schmidt, Isabelle, Javier & Mia Zepeda, Cora Goninan, Lilly & Jackson Spradlin. And 11 great grandchildren- Laxus, Bellemere & Reija Lehman, Linden & Lochlan Ashley, Emmaleigh, Annabelle & Michael East, Marshall & Baby boy (TBA 7/1/24) Lindsey, Kashton Schmidt, and Paisley Kluting . And 4 honorary grand children- Corey Lashley, Aiden, Bradley & Addison Ruiz. Lee is also survived by his brothers Don Schmidt (Patricia), Gary Schmidt (Maria), and sister Cathy Hall (John) Lee lived a very full life and loved his family very much. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and will not be easily forgotten.
The family would like to thank Glenn East (son-in-law) for the care and compassion he showed our loved one in his final years and days. Glenn slept near Lee to care for him at night during his short sickness and was by his side when he passed.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Lee's life in Fayetteville, Ohio on June 22nd at 5 pm. Please message Velora East on Facebook messenger for address.
Lee’s ashes will be spread by his family at a later date in a private ceremony.
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