Dr. Donald William Schmidt entered heaven on Monday March 2, 2009. Dr. Schmidt died peacefully at home surrounded by family. Known by most as "Dr. Don" he spent over 55 years caring for patients. Until age 81, he worked several days a week taking care of patients. That was his joy in life. At the end of the day, he would come home with a list of patients he felt like needed a phone call to follow-up and be sure that they were improving or to give them a little "lift". He was known throughout Wellstar Towne Lake for his quick smile and a piece of candy from his pocket. Anyone within earshot knew he was in the building, as you could hear him whistling.

Don was a true family man. His wife of 61 years, Elaine Martin Schmidt was always at his side. He did not want her out of his sight. He had 3 children Donald William Schmidt, II, who preceded him in death in 1975, Lucy Schmidt Sugg of Kennesaw, GA and Bonnie Schmidt Rodgers of St. Stephens, SC. He was very proud of his grandchildren: Kyle Rodgers, senior at Presbyterian College, Caleb Rodgers, junior at the Citadel, Kimberly Hartman, junior at Institute of Allied Medical Professions, and Kelli Hitchman, sophomore at Kennesaw Mountain High School. The newest member of the family is great granddaughter, Makayla Hartman, who he called "my baby."

Dr. Don was born April 3, 1925 in Belleville, Illinois to William Wayne Schmidt, Jr and Myrtle Opp Schmidt. He graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1943. He lettered in football, baseball, and band, and was awarded the school citizenship award. He attended University of South Carolina for his premedical education through the Navy. He attended Medical School at the Medical College of GA where he graduated in 1949.Following his internship at the US Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, VA, he proudly served as medical officer of Mine Squadron III during the Korean War from 1950-52. Dr. Don remained in the Naval Reserve after this and began his practice in Lincolnton, GA from 1952-53. He moved to Cedartown, GA in 1953 and served his patients and community for 27 years. In 1980, with his children grown and his feeling the need to complete his military career, Dr Don returned to active duty in the Navy. He was so proud of his promotion to the rank of Captain. He always said he wanted "scrambled eggs" on his hat, and he wore it proudly. Don served as chief of outpatient services at the US Naval Hospital in Beaufort, SC, and then as Senior Medical Officer at Lafayette Regional Clinic in Portsmouth, VA. He loved getting on his moped and riding down to see the ships in port. He retired from the Navy while serving at Millington Naval Hospital where he served as Chief of Staff.

After retirement from the Navy, Don and Elaine moved to SC where he served with the Migrant Health Service. He really enjoyed this time and felt this was a mission calling. He moved to Woodstock, GA in 1992. He joined the staff of Wellstar at its inception and retired from full time work after 10 years of service. He continued working part time, until 2007, because taking care of patients was the joy of his life.

Dr Don was a charter Fellow and Board Diplomat of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians and took the first certification exam. He maintained his credentials by taking the board exams every seven years. He took his last board exam in 2000 and would have recertified in 2007 had he not been ill. He was honored in November 2008 for 55 years of distinguished service in the GA Academy of Family Practice. He was past president of the GA academy of Family practice, Past President of the 7th District Medical Association of GA, Board of Directors Medical Association of GA, Fellow Southeastern Surgical Congress, Past Editor of Monthly Journal GA Academy of Family Practice, Past Speaker of House of Delegates, GA Academy of Family Practice, Past President of Medical College of GA Alumni Association.
He was a lifelong learner and was very disciplined in reading all his medical journals and attending continuing education programs. He also received a law diploma from LaSalle Extension University in the 60's.

Dr. Don was known for his service not only to patients, but his church and his community. He always gave of his time to any organization that he was involved in. While living in Cedartown he was President of the elementary, junior and high school PTA's, Band Parents Booster Club, Vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, Polk District Boy Scouts, and Flotilla Commander of the /Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was a member and chairman of the Cedartown City Commission. He was honored as Man of the year, 1969. He very proudly coached a football championship team and basketball championship team in the city midget league in 1976. He always allowed each member of the team to play in every game. He realized that it is important to be sure that the youth of today receive guidance to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Don was a deacon in the Baptist Church, serving in Cedartown, Ridge Spring, SC, New Victoria, and Roswell Street Baptist Churches. He loved his Lord and Savior and that was evident to any who came in contact with him. His true joy in life was giving of himself.

Dr. Don's passion of service to others was evident in his involvement in Lions Club. A member for over 55 years, he served in every capacity possible in order to help those with vision and hearing impairment. He began his involvement with Lions in Lincolnton, GA and was a charter member of the Cedartown Lions Club. He President of the Cedartown Lions Club and the Woodstock Lions Club. He served as District Governor in 1961-1962 and was elected as International Director in 1971-1973. He continued on the International Board serving as past director in 1973-1974. He was well known for his speaking ability. He was quite the orator and even made "speeches" to the family from his Hospice bed in his last days.
Don served as president of the GA Lions Lighthouse (sight conservation), President of the GA past District Governors, Executive committee of Peach Bowl, Team selection committee of Peach Bowl, and Peach Bowl Director. He served at the local and international level of Lions Clubs. There was no committee too small or too large for him. He gladly served in any capacity. He was awarded many honors for his service, but he did not do any of these things for the recognition, but, rather for the love of service to others and the cause for which it stood. He was quite proud of his Melvin Jones Fellowship award which provided funding for special needs. He gave unselfishly to Lions and loved all those who served alongside him for the same cause.

Dr Don is survived by his wife, Elaine, of 61 years, his daughters Lucy (Tommy) Sugg, of Kennesaw; Bonnie (David) Rodgers of St Stephens, SC; grandchildren, Kyle and Caleb Rodgers of St Stephens, SC, Kimberly (Bruce) Hartman of Alpharetta, Kelli Hitchman of Kennesaw, great grandchild Makayla Hartman of Alpharetta.
Sister: Dorothy(Tom) Dunck, of Charlotte, NC; brother Lee Schmidt of Independence, MO.

A celebration of Don's life will be held 10:00AM Saturday, March 7, 2009 in the Woodstock First Baptist Church Chapel . A reception will be held following the service at Woodstock Funeral Home. Interment will held Monday, March 9, 2009 in Georgia National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Woodstock Funeral Home on Friday, March 6, 2009 from 6:00-9:00PM.

The family requests any Lions of Georgia members and past or present Wellstar Physicians and staff to serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's honor to GA Lions Lighthouse or GA Lions Camp for the Blind, P.O. Box 711, Woodstock, GA 30188.
Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock GA 30188.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons, Cedartown, is making this local announcement for the family of Dr. Donald William Schmidt.