LA GRANGE, Texas— Milton Charles Schmidt, 80, of LaGrange, passed away on Wednesday, July 4, 2018.
Milton was born in La Grange, Texas, on March 18, 1938, the son of Milton R. and Adela (Prilop) Schmidt. He married Betty Mueller on March 22, 1959 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in La Grange. He was a kind loving husband to Betty; a gentle father to their children, Richard and Faith; and a wonderful father-in-law to their spouses, Janet and Ralph. He was a super grandfather to Tyler Schmidt of La Grange, Lauren Schmidt and fiancé Jeff Surman, of San Marcos, Neal Frerichs and wife Kayla, of La Grange, and Allison Frerichs and fiancé Laken Grimes, of Rowlett. Lee and Karen Mueller of San Antonio were his brother and sister-in-law.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton R. Schmidt and Adela (Prilop) Schmidt, one grandson, Bradley Charles Frerichs, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Mueller.
After graduating from La Grange High School, Milton attended Texas Lutheran College. He was a member of the TLC Band and served as president. He also sang in the TLC Choir. Milton graduated with a major in voice and a minor in piano. He was a band director for several years. Discipline was never an issue with “Mr. Schmidt” because the students loved and respected him as much as he loved them. After receiving his Master’s Degree from Texas State University in Guidance & Counseling, Milton was hired as a counselor at La Grange High School.
The third career change came when Milton and Betty became owners of Schmidt Jewelry & Gifts. Milton took GIA jewelry-making classes and crafted jewelry for 25 years.
Serving the community was very important to Milton. He joined the Rotary Club in 1963 and served for over 50 years. He looked at membership in Rotary as an honor. He was Pancake Supper Chair for decades. Milton received special recognition for his service to the Rotary Club and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also named to the Roll of Fame in 1987 by Rotary International.
Milton’s church home is St. Paul Lutheran Church in La Grange. He served as President, youth leader of Luther League, Sunday school teacher, council member, groundskeeper and choir member. He was a ounder of Faith Lutheran Church in Weimar in 1963 and served that congregation well until they moved back to La Grange.
Milton also served on the Fayette County Fair for several years. He also served on the Board of Trustees for Warm Springs Rehabilitation Center in Gonzales. Milton was a plumber and handyman. One of his favorite hobbies was spending time with his hunting buddies and hunting. Colorado was Milton & Betty’s home away from home and where they spent their summers after retirement.
Visitation was held on Thursday, July 5 at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations. Funeral Services were held at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church on Friday, July 6.  Burial followed at La Grange City Cemetery.  
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutherhill, St. Paul LYO and Texas Lutheran University.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations,                      208 W. Pearl, La Grange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.