Floyd W. Schmid age 97 of Farwell passed away suddenly of Cardiac Arrest Nov. 30, 2023 in Florence, AL.
He was born July 28, 1926 to Mathias and Clara (Musall) Schmid at their farm north of Farwell on Finley Lake Road.
He received his GED from Farwell High School. He served 2 years in the Army in the European Theater during World War II, assigned to the 30th INF Division as a machine gunner and heavy mortar squad member. He earned the combat inf. Badge and 1 battle star. After the war he played semi professional baseball with the Army traveling team until breaking his ankle sliding into 3rd base.
After discharge, he worked various jobs, including acquiring his auctioneer license and working brakeman on the New York Central Railroad, eventually he was promoted to Freight Conductor working out of Detroit and Bay City.
Floyd was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ann Lister of Newcastle, County Durham England on Aug 22, 1953. (Betty) worked as an executive secretary at Mid Michigan Community College until becoming ill. Betty was definitely the anchor in the marriage. They had 3 children: Robin Schmid of Sitka, AK, Beverly Stockton of Killen, AL and Dale Schmid of Farwell, MI.
They have 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Elizabeth (Betty) passed away Mar. 13 2003 of a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
Floyd was an active member of Masonic Lodge #355 Farwell, D.A.V. #105 Lake, American Legion #558 Farwell and Sparta Esterline Post 3039 VFW Farwell. He served as All State Commander for the VFW in 1979.
After leaving the railroad in 1972 he worked various jobs in the area. Selling real estate for Jim Green, club house manager at White Birch Lakes, and volunteer with the Clare Co. Sheriff’s Posse mounted division. In 1974 he started work at Central Michigan Community Hospital, MT. Pleasant as an Ambulance driver/E.M.T. later transferring to the maintenance Dept and retiring in Dec 1998.
Floyd also wrote his autobiography “The First 75 Years”. Covering the Farwell area and many of his friends here in Clare County.
Floyd also liked fishing trips to Canada with the family along with deer hunting and running rabbits with beagles!
His quick wit will be missed by many people.
A military memorial service will be held Saturday, June 8th at the Farwell American Legion Post starting at noon. A luncheon will be provided after the service. All friends are invited! No flowers please. Floyd requested instead that donations be made to The Farwell American Legion Building Fund.
Floyd’s ashes will be laid to rest next to Bettys in the Surrey Township Cemetery. Floyd and Betty will now be together again.
So come join us for good food and good stories to celebrate Floyd and Betty on June 8th!