Roland Schmidt, 87, lifelong resident of rural Winfield passed away Tuesday morning, April 28, 2015 at his home.

Born November 1, 1927 in Winfield, he was the son of Edward and Anna (Dittrich) Schmidt. He was raised and received his education in Winfield attending South Vernon and graduating from Winfield High School.

Roland began working for Ralph Bruce at the age of ten. He continued working for and with him throughout most of his life. He also worked at Wakefield Drilling and in maintenance at General Electric, as well as farming his whole life. He joined the United States Army and served two years in Occupied Japan before his honorable discharge. He was united in marriage to Shirley Lorena Holman on July 10, 1946 in Wichita. The couple made their home in the Winfield area. In 1972, he and Shirley purchased Southern Kansas L.P. Gas. He owned and operated the business until the day he passed.

Roland was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford. He was also very involved in Habitat for Humanity and was a Charter Member of the K & O Steam and Gas Engine Association. He enjoyed cutting down trees from his farms and sawing them on his saw mill to make everything from furniture to buildings. Roland and Shirley enjoyed camping and water skiing and instilled that love in their children and many other family members, friends and neighbors. Roland was a very patient man and made it possible for many to learn to water ski behind his boat. He loved to spend time with his family and have fun when the work was done. Having farmed with Minneapolis Moline tractors all of his life, he started collecting them when they had outlived their usefulness on the farm. He had a large number of tractors in his collection, as well as combines, a cornpicker, bulldozer and road grader.

His family includes:
His wife: Shirley L. Schmidt of the home;
Children: Glenda Sue Schmidt of Winfield, Roger Edward Schmidt of Winfield, Lou Ann Johnson and husband, Steve of Wichita; Gaye Nell Young and husband, Dennis of Winfield; and
Grandchildren Deanna and Renee, and step-grandson Cory Young, and wife Kara.
In addition to his parents, Roland was preceded in death by his sister, Leah Ghramm.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery northwest of Winfield. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors during this time.

Memorials have been established in Roland's name with Harry Hynes Hospice, First Baptist Church of Oxford and with the K & O Steam and Gas Engine Association. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.