He worked as a specialist at Mississippi State University’s Cooperative Extension Service for many years after working at the USDA in Washington D.C. After retirement, he enjoyed working in the garden, fishing and spending time with family and friends. He had a servant’s heart for others and coordinated the St. Joseph Catholic Church’s food pantry ministry for over eight years.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Mary Schmidt and grandson, Ethan Quick.
He is survived by his wife June Schmidt, children Carolyn Evans (Will) of Franklin, Tenn., Tony Schmidt (Jamie) of Mount Olive, Ala. and step-daughter Emily Breland-Ford (Guy) of Starkville, Miss. and the mother of his children, Norma Schmidt. He’s also survived by his two sisters, Margaret (Wes) Gannon and Barbara (Garry) Sparks and nieces and nephews. Joe admired and supported all of his grandchildren – Johnny Ford, Josie Evans, Ethan Quick, Faith Quick and Eric Quick.
Celebration of life services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Starkville, Miss on Wednesday, June 26 at 10 a.m. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Mendenhall, Mississippi in Old Good Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joe’s honor to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Food Pantry at 607 University Dr. Starkville, MS 38759.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and caregivers of Gentiva Hospice who cared for Joe recently.
